Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)

If everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or doing chores leave you feeling breathless or unusually tired, it may be time for a closer look. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is often used when symptoms like shortness of breath or tiredness don’t have a clear cause. It’s also used to assess fitness before surgery, monitor heart or lung conditions, or guide safe exercise in rehabilitation. 

At WMCHealth, CPET is part of the expert heart and lung care we provide. Our cardiovascular and pulmonary specialists perform and use CPET test results to uncover the cause of your symptoms. This means your next steps for treatment are specific, effective, and built around your needs. 

What to Know About Your CPET  

Here’s what to expect before, during, and after your cardiopulmonary exercise test.  

How to Prepare 

Follow these steps to get ready for your CPET: 

• Avoid eating for two to three hours before your test. 
• Wear athletic shoes and loose, comfortable clothing. 
• Do not use lotions or oils on your chest or arms. 
• Bring a list of medications and follow your provider’s instructions on which ones, if any, to stop taking ahead of your test. 
• Tell your care team if you have asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or other lung conditions. 

What to Expect During the CPET 

One of our respiratory therapists or exercise physiologists will guide you through the test and ensure your safety: 

• Electrode leads (small, sticky pads) are placed on your chest to check your heart rate. A cuff is placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure. A pulse oximeter (a small, painless sensor) is clipped to your finger, earlobe, or forehead to track how much oxygen is in your blood. 
• You’ll wear a mask or mouthpiece so we can measure your breathing. 
• You’ll start walking on a treadmill or pedaling on a bike, with the pace slowly increasing. 
• You’ll be asked to continue until you reach a set limit or experience symptoms. 

The full test typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, including setup and recovery. 

What to Expect Afterwards 

After the test, you’ll have a short cool-down period. Then, you can likely return to normal activities.  

A cardiologist or pulmonologist on your care team will review your test results. They’ll look closely to determine whether a heart or lung condition is the cause of your symptoms. Then they’ll talk with you about next steps for care.