Before undergoing a surgical procedure, it is important to determine if a patient can tolerate the stress from surgery and ensure that there are no underlying conditions, such as a blocked artery, that could cause distress during the procedure.

A CPET is an effective tool for preoperative risk assessment for patients who are planning to undergo surgery. This test provides an accurate measurement of a patient’s overall health as opposed to evaluating each disease independently. It identifies how an increase in oxygen demand effects your wellbeing and can even reveal underlying cardiac conditions that are not seen while resting.

By understanding your surgical risk, or how much distress the heart can endure during the demand of surgery, you and your doctor can make an informed decision about surgical procedures and ways to minimize risk during and after surgery.