Cardiopulmonary Stress Test (CPET)
Cardiopulmonary Stress Test (CPET)
A CPET is a stress test that includes the addition of pulmonary measurements. This is achieved by wearing a mouthpiece that collects breath-by-breath measurements of inhaled oxygen and exhaled carbon dioxide. A baseline pulmonary capacity test is performed on every athlete prior to starting exercise. Analyzing both cardiac and pulmonary function allows us to determine the source of any problems. We can also use this test to determine anaerobic threshold and maximal oxygen consumption for athletes looking to enhance performance.
The test typically takes about 60 minutes and can be done on a treadmill or bike. Please follow the same instructions as the exercise tolerance test.
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Purpose
CPET testing is most commonly ordered for patients with new or worsening unexplained shortness of breath but can also be used as a prognostic measure for patients with congestive heart failure.
Hospital Affiliations
The Lown Group is closely affiliated with the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Our Board-Certified physicians hold teaching positions at Harvard Medical School and faculty appointments at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In the event of hospitalization or invasive procedures, we will make every effort to admit our patients to the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where our physicians will see hospitalized patients daily to provide continuity between the hospital and clinical setting.