Perioperative cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET)
What is a cardiopulmonary exercise test?
A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is a non-invasive test used to assess current fitness levels. It measures how your heart, lungs and muscles respond to exercise.
Why have I been asked to perform a CPET and how are my results used?
The information from your CPET will help clinical teams to understand how your body may respond to the stress of surgery or other treatments. The results will help the clinical team understand your personal risk of each treatment and help with the shared decision-making process.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
- Please take all your medications as normal on the day of your appointment.
- Read through your factsheet that will have been given with your appointment letter.
- Please review the other documents (informed consent form) and if possible complete the pre-screening health questionnaire. You will need to bring these to the appointment.
- Please wear loose fitting clothes and appropriate footwear that you feel comfortable exercising in.
- Please avoid any caffeine or carbonated drinks (such as coke) on the day of your test.
- As much as possible please avoid smoking on the day of your appointment.
- Please do not eat a heavy meal in the two hours before the test.
What happens during a CPET appointment?
You should expect the appointment to last for around one hour. However, the cycling part of this will only last for around 10 to 15 minutes.
We will ask you some questions about your relevant medical history, any medications you are currently taking and what your current exercise levels are like.
Then we will ask you to perform a breathing test to assess your lung function.
Before you begin cycling we will stick stickers called electrodes to your chest to monitor your heart rate and rhythm.
We will fit you with a facemask and blood pressure cuff to measure your breathing rate and blood pressure during the test.
The exercise cycling test
The test is performed on a stationary exercise bike. We will encourage you to cycle to the best of your ability for as long as you can while we assess your body’s responses to exercise. The test will last approximately 10 to 15 minutes where the cycling will gradually get harder until you are too tired to continue. When you have finished the CPET, we will monitor your recovery.
What will happen to my results?
The results of your CPET will be sent to the doctor who requested the test, most likely a hospital consultant. You will be able to discuss the results at your next appropriate hospital appointment.
Contact us
Email CPET@uhs.nhs.uk
Phone 023 8120 3008 or 07825 423051