Cardiopulmonary exercise test

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What is this information about?

This information is about a test called a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test. This test looks at how well your heart and lungs work when exercising. This information tells you what happens during the test, how you should prepare for the test, and how you will get the results.

Why have I been given this information?

You have been referred for this test by your doctor, and there are some things that you need to do prepare. This information will help you to understand what to expect, and how to get ready for the test.

What is a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test?

In a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET), you will ride an exercise bike while you wear a facemask. The facemask measures your oxygen intake (how much oxygen your body can take in).   

This test evaluates how well your heart and lungs function when they are made to work harder than usual.  

The test helps detect any abnormalities (if something is not right) by looking closely at how your heart and lungs respond during exercise. It also provides valuable information about your cardiovascular (heart) and respiratory (breathing) systems.

How is a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test performed?

You will perform a resting spirometry test (breathing test) to see how well your lungs work at rest before the exercise test begins. 

ECG cables will be attached to your chest to monitor your heart rate and rhythm. You will have a blood pressure cuff on your arm, as well as a pulse oximetry finger probe (a small device that clips over your finger).  

The facemask is then put on your face. It will measure your breathing activity during exercise.  

You will then be asked to pedal on the bike at a comfortable pace without any resistance (difficulty) applied. After this warm-up, a small amount of pedal resistance is added very gradually throughout the test, making the test gradually harder as time goes on.  

You will be asked to pedal for as long as possible. 

The test continues until you either reach a target heart rate, develop symptoms, or become too tired to continue. The exercise stage usually lasts between 5 and 12 minutes.

How long does the test take?

The test takes about 45 minutes including preparation time, but you could be in the department for longer.

Will I cope with the exercise required?

Just about everyone can cope with a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test.  

The bike makes the test easier than walking on a treadmill because it is a non-weight-bearing activity. The resistance is added very gradually and the exercise intensity gets harder based on what you can do.  

You may stop at any point if you wish to do so. You will be encouraged to do as much as you can, as the more you do, the more information we get for your doctor.

Do I need to make any preparations?

Yes, there are a few preparations you should make for a cardiac exercise tolerance test: 

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and supportive shoes suitable for exercise. We advise good walking shoes or trainers, loose trousers, jogging bottoms, or shorts. There is somewhere private to get changed if you need it.

You will be asked to undress from the waist up to allow us to fit an ECG electrode to your chest. You will be given a hospital gown to wear during the test. 

• Long hair should be tied back. 

• There are no showers, so you may wish to bring a towel. 

• Do not eat a heavy meal two hours before your test. You may wish to bring a drink for after your test, but it must not be a chilled (cold) drink. 

• Do not drink alcohol for 12 hours before the test.  

• Do not drink tea or coffee on the day of the test unless decaffeinated. 

• Bring a list of the tablets you are currently taking and any inhalers. Continue to take your usual medication unless told not to. You may be asked to stop some or all of your heart drugs (especially Beta Blockers) for 48 hours before the test. If so, restart them after the test. 

What happens after the test? 

After the test, you will be monitored for a short period to see how your heart recovers. This will be for at least six minutes but may be longer depending on how long it takes your heart rate and blood pressure to settle. You will still be attached to the monitoring equipment.  

A detailed report will be made about the results of the test, and the final results will be shared with the doctor who referred you for the test.

When will I receive the results?

The report will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the test. They will contact you to discuss the results.  

If you have any enquiries about your results, please contact the department where the referral was originally made.

Who can I contact for further information and advice about my appointment?

Please contact the booking team on: 01273 696955 ext: 63619