Breathing problems may begin in the lungs, heart, or the system that circulates your blood. Sometimes your doctors will ask you to have a cardio-pulmonary stress test if they are unsure of why you are short of breath or they are concerned about the results of your pulmonary function test.
During the test you will be asked to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle. Small pads (electrodes) will be placed on your body to monitor your heart. You will also wear nose clips and breathe through a mouthpiece.
Before you start to exercise, your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure will be monitored. You will exercise as long as you can. Before the test and at the end of the test, a blood sample from an artery may be taken.
The cardio-pulmonary stress test measures your exercise capacity and identifies the cause of shortness of breath. This information may be useful in determining your operative risk and predicting how you will feel after lung resection.
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