Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test

What is a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test?

A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) looks at how well your heart and lungs work during exercise. The test is completed on an exercise bike and the total appointment will take approximately 90 minutes.

If you have any physical limitations that will affect your ability to peddle on an exercise bike e.g., knee or hip joint pain please contact us prior to your appointment.

On the day of the test

• The test will be done in RIU which is located on the first floor of the main building at The Prince Charles Hospital.
• Ensure you wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and enclosed shoes that are suitable for exercise.
• Avoid wearing perfume or cologne as some of our patients’ symptoms are triggered by strong smells.
• Withhold from smoking on the day of the test.
• Avoid vigorous exercise within 4 hours of your test.
• Do not have a large meal before the test. Chest hair may need to be removed to ensure appropriate placement of the Electrocardiogram (ECG)electrodes. This can be done on the day of the test, but you may wish to do it prior to the appointment. Similarly, facial hair can affect the seal of the mask used during the test. An alternative mouthpiece is available but for your comfort, consider shaving prior to your appointment.

The test

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test

• First, you will be asked to do some routine lung function tests. For these tests, you will wear a soft nose clip and breathe on a mouthpiece. Each of these tests will be repeated several times to ensure they are accurate.
• We will then set you up for your CPET. ECG leads will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart and you will be fitted with a mask that will measure your breathing during exercise.
• During the test you will be pedalling at a constant speed on the exercise bike. You will have a clip on your finger to monitor your oxygen levels and at regular intervals, your blood pressure will be measured.  You will also be asked to rate how you feel as you exercise.
• Each minute we will make it harder for you to push the pedals (like riding up a hill) until you feel you can no longer continue (usually about 10-15 minutes). It is important to keep pedalling for as long as you possibly can to ensure your doctor gets as much information as possible.
• Both a doctor and a respiratory scientist will be monitoring your progress during the test and will stop the test if necessary.
• Once you have completed the exercise, we will get you off the bike and take some more measurements. Once we have confirmed that these measurements have returned to your pre-test levels you will be free to go.