Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Also written as: CPET — Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Comprehensive assessment combining exercise testing with respiratory gas analysis to evaluate cardiovascular and pulmonary function.
Full Definition
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a sophisticated diagnostic tool that provides simultaneous assessment of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic function during exercise. The test measures oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, ventilation, and hemodynamic responses to progressive exercise, typically performed on a bicycle or treadmill. CPET provides objective measurement of functional capacity (peak VO2), anaerobic threshold, and exercise efficiency. In cardiac surgery, CPET is valuable for preoperative risk stratification, particularly in patients with marginal cardiac function, and helps guide decision-making regarding surgical candidacy and timing. The test can differentiate cardiac from pulmonary limitations and provides prognostic information for surgical outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Report peak VO2 and anaerobic threshold when documenting CPET results.
In Context
- "Cardiopulmonary exercise testing demonstrated severely reduced functional capacity with a peak VO2 of 14 ml/kg/min, indicating high surgical risk." — Preoperative consultation
- "The patient's CPET results showed cardiac limitation to exercise, supporting the decision to proceed with valve replacement." — Cardiac surgery evaluation