Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a test that is used to evaluate how well your heart and lungs are able to respond to exercise. This is called your exercise capacity. During this test, you will walk or run on a treadmill or pedal on a stationary bike while tests are done on your heart and lungs.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.

• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

• Any bleeding problems you have.

• Any surgeries you have had, especially if you have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker.

• Any medical conditions you have.

• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

What happens before the test?

• Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you are taking. You may be told to change or stop some of your medicines.

  • If you have diabetes, ask how you should take your insulin or diabetes pills.

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.

• If you use an inhaler, bring it with you to the test.

What happens during the test?

• A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm.

• Several stick-on patches (electrodes) will be placed on your chest and attached to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine.

• A clip-on monitor that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood will be placed on your finger (pulse oximeter).

• A clip will be placed on your nose and a mouthpiece will be placed in your mouth. This may be held in place with a headpiece. You will breathe through the mouthpiece during the test.

• You will be asked to start exercising either on a stationary bicycle or on a treadmill.

• You will be closely supervised during exercise.

• The amount of effort for your exercise will be gradually increased.

• During exercise, the test will measure:

  • Your heart rate.

  • Your heart rhythm.

  • Your blood oxygen level.

  • The amount of oxygen you breathe in and the amount of carbon dioxide you breathe out through your mouthpiece.

• The test will end when:

  • You have finished the test.

  • You have reached your maximum ability to exercise.

  • You have chest or leg pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

The test may also be stopped if you have abnormal changes in your blood pressure or develop an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What can I expect after the test?

• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.

• It is up to you to get the results of your test. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test, when your results will be ready.

• Follow any aftercare instructions given to you by the hospital or clinic.

Summary

• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a test that measures how well your heart and lungs are able to respond to exercise.

• Follow your health care provider’s instructions about food and drink, and what medicines to change or stop.

• During this test, you will walk or run on a treadmill or pedal on a stationary bike while tests are done on your heart and lungs.

• The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.