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Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test

Click to listen to this page using ReadPleaseReport to Cardio/Respiratory Services 20 minutes prior to your appointment.

 

Please bring your health card to your appointment.

 

Phone: (807) 684-6680

 

This test will take approximately 1 hour.

 

The Test


  • The exercise test consists of cycling on a bicycle for about 10 minutes while breathing into a mouthpiece.
     
  • Prior to exercising on the bicycle, you may have a breathing test and/or an electrocardiogram done.
     
  • Your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels will be closely followed throughout the test. This will continue until you reach your maximum exercise limit.
     
  • If you experience chest pain, breathlessness, weakness, fatigue, or dizziness, you must inform the staff present and the test will be stopped. A Respiratory Therapist and a Physician will be in attendance for this test.

 

Preparations


  • Medication – Please take your medication as usual the day of the test unless your physician tells you otherwise. Bring all medications that you presently take with you to the test.
     
  • Clothing – We ask that you wear or bring clothing appropriate for exercise – loose fitting top and pants and comfortable rubber-soled, flat shoes (ie. runners). Women must NOT wear a skirt or dress.
     
  • You may bring a change of clothing with you to change into after the test.
     
  • DO NOT APPLY ANY CREAMS, POWDERS, BATH OILS, PERFUMES OR COLOGNES THE DAY OF THE TEST.
     
  • Diet – A light meal (toast, soup or muffin) 2 hours before the test is permissible.
     
  • Stimulants such as smoking, alcohol and liquids containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate should be avoided 24 hours prior to the test.
     
  • Other – Be prepared to answer questions about allergies, smoking history and the name of your family physician.

 

Results


The test results will be sent to your physician. To obtain the results, contact your physician.