A Practical Guide to the Interpretation of Cardio-Pulmonary Exercise Tests

Maximum oxygen uptake during exercise is one of the best predictors of operative mortality and of prognosis in chronic cardiac or respiratory disease. Cardio-pulmonary exercise (CPEX) tests are therefore an increasingly common component of pre-operative assessment and the management of patients with chronic cardiopulmonary problems. Part of the Oxford Respiratory Medicine Library (ORML) series, this pocketbook guides clinicians through the parameters measured in CPEX testing so that they can understand the underlying physiology and are able to interpret the results. Clinical scenarios, common patterns, key points, and practical tips all make this book easy to follow, even for those readers who have little prior knowledge of the subject. William Kinnear, Consultant Respiratory Physician, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK, and John Blakey, Senior Lecturer, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK Part 1. Introduction Why do a CPEX? How to do a CPEX Part 2. Key CPEX parameters Oxygen uptake Heart rate Oxygen-pulse Ventilation Carbon dioxide output The respiratory exchange ratio The anaerobic threshold Ventilatory equivalents The respiratory compensation point Oxygen desaturation Part 3. Using CPEX data Presentation of results Exercise prescription Clinical scenarios Pre-operative CPEX testing Part 4. Appendices Further reading List of key points List of practical tips