hello
Cardiopulmonary exercise test - what are they, why are they done and what are they trying to find out? What scenarios would they be used in?
What happens at such a test?
Any sharing of knowledge / thoughts / experiences most welcome.
Might help me understand, it’s been suggested but no official invitation to that party yet though 🥹 but I’m curious.
I have googled and found some info was reliable per NHS. But I like real people explaining ❤️
👍
I understand your probably anxious but honestly there's nothing to worry about it's like being at the gym on an exercise bike but your connected to ecg, blood pressure and a really weird mask like a gas mask 😂. I think you need to have a lung function test first aswell that really takes it out of you. So they haven't said why you have been refered for one? Hope it all goes well. Oh another thing the result will say a negative test which is good, and positive means that they found something on the ecg while you was exercising. Sorry I am so not qualified to tell you this but I consider myself an expert ive had so many!! 😂😂😂😂😂
thanks not explained yet exactly why but think it’s to do with oxygen levels???
It’s been many years on an exercise bike (loved spinning), I walked up the stairs at a quick pace (I usually take it very slowly) and had mahoosive angina episode - racing and thumping heart, left chest arm and jaw pain and short of breath - went after few minutes though so thought of being made to exercise…..
But what does positive mean? What is it positive for?
That's the thing I've never had a positive one thank goodness so don't know what it's positive for I guess what ever they suspect sorry I'm really rubbish at explaining stuff.
No worries, I’m often confused with all this heart stuff, it’s the worst part the thinking and analysing and worrying. Such fun 🤪
yes please, your more than welcome! 👍
got it, exactly what I was after regarding getting an understanding. Ta very much 👍
I will try and explain mine. It starts with getting the stickers on for the ecg leads . Then you blow into a tube to get your lung capacity. Do this three times, I suppose to get an average, just like using a peak flow meter . You then sit on the bike. Make sure you are comfortable and pedles are set for your height and comfort. A mask is put on which reads the breathing in and out as you do the test. Blood pressure cuff is put on. Then all the leads are connected and a blood oxygen meter was put on my ear lobe. This is all connected up to a computer system. Then you start pedling. Nice and easy so all the readings are getting picked up. Then the tension is slowly put onto the pedles. I think it goes up linearly. So naturally as you get more resistance you breath in and out quicker and heart rate will go up. The next time I do one I will take in deeper breaths. I managed 7 minutes and stopped because my legs ached due to lactic acid build up. This test found that I had cyanosis at peak exercise. So due to my congenital disease my oxygen transfer from lungs to bloods is not efficient. There is a possibility I will have another one this year. Been practicing but the resistance will go up to the point you carnt push the pedels any more any way. Unless you have a yellow Jersey from the tour de France. But I am looking forward to the next one, see if I can beat 7 minutes. Possibly 7 minutes and one second. I think for me my cardiologist wants to see if the medication I have been on has made a bit of difference. For Me I hope my vo2 max has improved.
thanks for explaining, the test was mentioned but I’m yet to fully understand why. I know that sounds daft, it was a very hectic appointment and I’m awaiting letter. I think they are at a loss of what to do with me so I guess they think this might explain my symptoms. 👍
Just thought I hope they do mine on a treadmill as that will be closer to reality regards walking is when symptoms come on, walking is weight bearing too and bikes are not so much, I hope I can request treadmill.
I don't know possibly a treadmill can be requested. Personally I did find a bike better for me but I suppose a tread mill might be better, but the trouble Is I live in the flat lands of Norfolk. So the biggest hill I have to deal with are few and far between. My problem may have been found alot earlier if I had go up a hill everyday. I suppose you do use different muscles for cycling and walking up a steep gradient. But basically both tests are trying to work out if the problem is heart related or lung related. And the effect they have on you as an individual. Try not to worry ( famous words from Mr negative) but since my problem was found I have had two echo's. One mri, ct scan, two ecg. One last year and one this year. 24hr ecg, 24hr blood pressure monitor. And a partridge in a pear tree. I do know what you mean though. Why have I got to have another cpet. ??? Any way you take care.
thanks I’ll try not to overthink it, I’m terrible for that.
Yes I really don’t want another test, yours is an impressive list!
I’ve had a Ct scan, 2 holters, 1 echo, 1 nuclear scan, 2 angiograms and a sleep study and there is nothing they can do for me (results of sleep study not in though).
So I’m kind of waiting / wishing now for them to throw the towel in, they’ve given it a good go, I can’t fault them but it is what it is. 😊
You sound like me over think everything. Trouble is when you have a congenital issue unfortunately you where made with it and yes your body has survived and kept going with it, but to fix it,? That's the bit that plays on my mind the fixing? Or can I limp it along with medication, tests, diet lose weight, exercise naturally within my limits, remove stress. It is horrible but as you say it is what it is.
Hello I just had a thought after Fellycat response below, wouldn’t a treadmill rather than bike be more realistic as my symptoms come on / demand on heart increases when walking?
Walking is weight bearing and will give truer picture of demand on my heart and my normal everyday (albiet I don’t walk at any great speed).
I feel the bike will take some of the strain away?
Could results be different dependent on whether treadmill or bike?
I feel I want a treadmill, I want them to see what happens to me when I walk. 🤔
Overthinking this?
Exercise test 
NO after exercise test .
Stress Test
Exercise and micro vascular angina 
Latest blood test
