Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is performed to evaluate your capacity to exercise. It will assess how well your lungs, heart and muscles tolerate exercise and may assist in finding a cause for unexplained shortness of breath.

You will be required to exercise for approximately ten minutes on a stationary bicycle. The work load will increase gradually until you are exercising at maximal capacity. During the test, you will have various medical devices attached to you which will measure your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, breathing rate, oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide production. On the day of the test ensure you are well rested, refrain from smoking and wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear. You may continue taking your respiratory medications as instructed by your respiratory physician.