Explore Pulmonology & LungCardiopulmonary Exercise Test Program
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPExT)
The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPExT) is a powerful tool for measuring lung function and predicting outcomes. The test shows how well you can exercise and breathe and how severe your shortness of breath (dyspnea) is. It also reveals important information that other tests don’t, such as how your airways react to exercise or how far you can walk in six minutes.
Should I Get the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test?
The main indication for a CPExT is exercise intolerance or shortness of breath that remains unexplained after other tests such as resting pulmonary function testing, cardiac stress testing, and echocardiography.
Other indications include:
- Preoperative pulmonary evaluation prior to lung resection surgery in patients with lung cancer
- Preoperative pulmonary evaluation prior to lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema and other major surgeries
- Evaluation for impairment/disability
- Exercise prescription for pulmonary rehabilitation
- Evaluation for heart-lung transplants
- Evaluation for therapies for advanced heart failure such as LVAD
- Exercise prescription for training regimen for athletes
- Research
How Is the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test Performed?
During the CPExT, you will be asked to exercise to your maximum capacity on a cycle ergometer, or stationary bike. While you exercise, we monitor your blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and electrocardiogram parameters. We will also analyze the composition of the gas you inhale and exhale to evaluate your gas exchange, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide output, and ventilatory efficiency.
All of this data helps us determine whether your respiratory symptoms are caused by heart disease, lung disease, obesity, or deconditioning.
How Should I Prepare for the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test?
Your healthcare provider will give you the exact instructions on how to prepare for your CPExT. On the day of your test:
- Wear comfortable clothes you can exercise in
- Wear shoes or sneakers you can comfortably use on a bike
- Do not exercise on the same day as the test
- Eat lightly the day of the test, and do not eat for 3 to 4 hours before the test
- Do not drink coffee or caffeinated drinks before the test
- Do not smoke or vape on the day of the test
- Bring a list of your medications with you