CPET Test in Delhi | Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Specialist

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)

CPET is a comprehensive test that helps to assess the function of your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and muscles during the graded exercise, typically on a treadmill or a cycle ergometer. It measures how well your body uses oxygen and removes carbon dioxide while it is under stress. It is the gold standard test for evaluating unexplained breathlessness and exercise intolerance.

Why is CPET Done?

CPET helps the doctors to understand the cause of symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, or reduced exercise capacity.

It is used to:

Detect whether your limitation is due to heart, lungs, or deconditioning.
Assess the cardiorespiratory fitness (especially in athletes).
Guide rehabilitation programs (e.g. pulmonary rehab).
Evaluate pre-surgical fitness, especially for lung or heart surgeries.
Diagnose conditions like pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, or COPD.
Monitor disease progression or treatment effect.

Symptoms

Unexplained shortness of breath on exertion.
Exercise fatigue or chest discomfort.
Abnormal spirometry or ECG but unclear diagnosis.
History of lung disease or heart disease.
Preparing for lung transplant or major surgery.

How to prepare for the test?

You have to wear loose, comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
You should avoid caffeine, heavy meals, and exercise for a few hours before the test.
Take regular medications unless told otherwise.
Inform staff of any heart, lung, or joint problems.

How the Test is done?

The patient is connected to:

Heart monitor (ECG)
Breathing mask to measure gases
Pulse oximeter to track oxygen levels
Blood pressure cuff
Then you have to exercise on a cycle or treadmill with gradually increasing intensity.

The system monitors the various things:

Oxygen uptake (VO₂ max)
Carbon dioxide output (VCO₂)
Heart rate, rhythm, and recovery
Ventilation and breathing efficiency
The test finally ends when you reach your maximum effort, or earlier if medically necessary.

What It Measures

VO₂ max (maximum oxygen uptake) – It is an indicator of fitness.
Anaerobic threshold – It measures when muscles start using more energy without oxygen.
Heart rate recovery – How quickly your heart slows after exercise.
Breathing reserve – How much capacity your lungs have left.

These values helps to pinpoint whether these symptoms are due to:

Lung disease (like COPD, ILD)
Heart disease (like heart failure)
Deconditioning or muscle weakness

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the test safe?

Yes, CPET is a very safe and conducted test which is held under medical supervision.

2. What’s the difference between CPET and a treadmill stress test?

A treadmill stress test checks mainly your heart, while CPET examines both heart and lung function, and how well your muscles use oxygen.

3. How long does the test take?

The actual exercise lasts 8–12 minutes, but the entire session takes 30–60 minutes, including the preparation and recovery.

4. What if I cannot exercise much?

Even a short effort provides valuable data. The test is tailored to your fitness level and medical condition.