CPET — Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test

What is a CPET?

A Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) measures, in real time, how efficiently your heart, lungs, and muscles work together as you exercise. It is the most comprehensive non-invasive way to evaluate exercise capacity and identify whether the limit is coming from your lungs, your heart, your circulation, or your muscles.

What it measures

While you exercise, sensors track:

• VO₂ max — the maximum oxygen your body can use, the single best measure of cardiovascular fitness
• Ventilatory thresholds — when breathing pattern changes mark the shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism
• Anaerobic threshold — the point at which lactate begins to accumulate
• Heart rate and ECG response — continuous monitoring for arrhythmia, ischemia, or chronotropic incompetence
• Spirometry before, during, and after exercise — to catch exercise-induced bronchoconstriction

When we recommend it

• Unexplained shortness of breath with exertion (the most common reason)
• Exercise-induced asthma or vocal cord dysfunction
• Distinguishing cardiac from pulmonary causes of symptoms
• Pre-operative risk assessment for major surgery
• Athletic fitness assessment and personalized training thresholds

What to bring

Comfortable workout clothes, a water bottle, and athletic shoes. Eat a light meal 2-3 hours before; avoid heavy food, caffeine, and tobacco for several hours beforehand. Bring a list of all medications.

Safety

A physician is in the room for the entire test. Resuscitation equipment, oxygen, and emergency medications are immediately available. We stop the test at any sign of significant ECG changes, dangerous rise or drop in blood pressure, severe symptoms, or your request.