Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) is a state-of-the-art, non-invasive diagnostic test that evaluates how your body responds to physical exertion.

Using advanced gas analysis technology, CPET measures key physiological processes in real time, including oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, ventilation, tidal volume and breathing rate.

Unlike standard tests performed at rest, CPET assesses the body under progressively increasing workload — precisely when hidden limitations and early dysfunction become evident.

A fully computerised system continuously records airflow, VO₂ and CO₂ levels, heart rate and other key parameters. This allows clinicians to gain a comprehensive, integrated understanding of how the cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic systems work together.

For this reason, CPET is considered the gold standard for functional assessment and exercise performance evaluation.

VO₂ max — a powerful marker of long-term health

One of the most important outcomes of CPET is VO₂ max — the maximum rate at which your body can utilise oxygen.

Although widely estimated by fitness trackers and wearable devices, these values are only approximate. CPET provides an accurate, clinically validated measurement.

VO₂ max reflects much more than fitness. It is closely linked to the efficiency of your heart and lungs, your body’s ability to use oxygen, and overall metabolic health.

It is therefore recognised as a key predictor of:

• cardiovascular risk
• biological ageing
• life expectancy

More than just VO₂ max

CPET goes beyond measuring performance — it helps identify why your exercise capacity may be limited and where the underlying issue lies.

The test provides detailed insight into:

• anaerobic (lactate) threshold
• ventilatory efficiency and gas exchange
• cardiovascular response to exercise
• metabolic efficiency

This makes CPET valuable not only in sports medicine, but also in clinical diagnostics, risk assessment and personalised treatment planning.

How the test is performed

CPET is carried out on a cycle ergometer, with workload increasing gradually under close medical supervision.

Throughout the test, you are continuously monitored. This includes ECG, blood pressure, respiratory parameters and oxygen consumption.

This approach allows clinicians to assess how your heart, lungs and metabolism perform under real-life physical stress — not just at rest.

What you receive

CPET results provide clear, actionable insights — not just numbers.

Following the test, you will receive:

• an accurate measurement of VO₂ max
• personalised training zones
• a detailed assessment of cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic function
• identification of factors limiting your performance
• a comprehensive medical report
• tailored recommendations for exercise, lifestyle and risk reduction

How to prepare

Proper preparation is important to ensure reliable results.

• Please inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some may need to be temporarily adjusted. You may also be asked to provide recent test results, such as blood work, ECG or echocardiography.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 hours before the test. Do not eat for 2–3 hours beforehand.
• Please wear comfortable sports clothing and appropriate footwear.