The test measures metrics like peak oxygen uptake (VO₂max), anaerobic threshold, and ventilatory responses. Ideal for those who want to enhance their athletic performance, are suffering from breathlessness generally, or as a pre-operative assessment tool.
During the consenting process, our team will give you a brief overview of how the test works, will outline when or if you should stop the test, and will explain that the test is carried out to maximal effort, meaning you should try to endure at your physical peak, for as long as possible.
Next up, our team will start by taking baseline/resting information of both your heart and respiratory function, by completing both a resting Electrocardiogram (ECG) (as described above), and resting spirometry. During this process they will place electrode patches and a 12-lead ECG monitor to your chest (to monitor your heart rate), a blood pressure cuff on your arm (to measure your blood pressure) and a plastic mask over your mouth and nose (to enable accurate tracking of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange). Data is recorded for 2-3 minutes while you rest quietly before starting.
Next, you will proceed with the exercise portion of the test. Our team will ask you to get on either the treadmill or stationary bike and will begin to guide you through the next stages of the test. The resistance and/or gradient of the bike or run increases in incremental steps until you reach your symptom-limited maximum or exhaustion. For most people this is between 5 and 15 minutes. For those who are particularly fit, it may take longer. You will need to tell the team when you have reached your limit, unless they intervene, and then you will start the cool down phase.
Lastly, you will complete a cool down on the equipment while monitors track your body returning to resting levels, after which equipment is removed.
The total appointment takes between 60-75 minutes.
The cardiologist will review all the data and will send a full report to you/your referring doctor with 7 days.
The CPET test will be carried out by both the exercise physiologist and cardiac nurse, onsite at one of the Heartcheck clinics.
The test will be performed using a cycle ergometer (stationary bike) or treadmill (activates more muscle groups, elicits greater oxygen desaturation and produces higher levels of peak oxygen uptake), and the participant will wear a mask (to measure breathing) and Electrocardioram (ECG) stickers attached to a heart monitor, to measure the patient’s heart rate during the test. In addition, the patient will wear a blood pressure cuff so that the nurse can measure the patients blood pressure through the test.
The participant will first get a baseline spiromitory and ECG test, and then- they will proceed to exercise, first at a slow rate, and increasing moderately over a 8-15 minute period, until the participant feels they have full exerted themselves and can no longer continue. The participant will then complete the test by exercising at a slower ‘cool-down’ speed.
– The participant is experiencing Chest Pain or tightness (angina)
– The participant is experiencing moderate to severe dizziness
– Cardiovascular changes – A drop in systolic blood pressure of more than 20 mmHg from the highest value, or if blood pressure rises to dangerous levels (systolic >250 mmHg or diastolic >120 mmHg)
– ECG abnormalities are presented – development of arrhythmia’s or significant ST- segment changes (indicating lack of oxygen to the heart)
– Oxygen Saturation – A significant drop in blood oxygen levels (SpO2 < 80%)
– Physical Distress – loss of co-ordination, mental confusion, or extreme leg fatigue
A CPET appointment at our clinic take approximately 75 minutes, which includes meeting our team, completing our consenting process, obtaining resting medical data, and completion of the physical examination.
As this is an exercise test, it’s important that you were exercise clothing and footwear. You should avoid restrictive clothing, including skirts, dresses, open toe shoes and high heels. Women are also advised to wear a sports bra where possible.
You will be encouraged to continue exercising if you feel its possible, however you will be in complete control when you do the test, and can stop it at any time.
You should be able to carry on with taking your normal medications, including inhalers, with the exception of beta blockers, which may need to be paused. We recommend calling our team for a discussion of your medications, prior to the test, if you are unsure.
You are best to eat a light meal or snack a few hours prior to the test, and make sure you are well hydrated. Heavy meals, nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol should all be avoided on the day of the test, as these can affect your heart rate.
The mask will be snug and air-tight over your face, and may feel odd at first, however it will in no way restrict your breathing. If you have a fear/phobia of masks or having things on your face, it will be discussed during the consenting process.
We will complete our analysis and review report within 7 days of your appointment time. This information will be sent to your referring GP/specialist.
If you are doing the test for clinical purposes, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or as a pre-operative assessment, then we will require
However should you like to do this test as a sports performance enhancement tool, then we will accept self-referral.
In some circumstances, the test may be covered by your private health insurance provider. This is usually the case when you are completing the test for clinical diagnostic purposes.
Sports performance testing or general health testing is not currently covered by health insurance and you will need to pay for the test yourself, at the time of your appointment.
If you have any further questions, you are best to reach out to our friendly team.
