Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a supervised, incremental exercise test that measures heart, lung and metabolic responses to graded physical exertion. It records breath-by-breath oxygen uptake (VO2), carbon dioxide production, ventilation, heart rate and ECG to assess fitness, detect unexplained breathlessness, guide treatment or surgical risk assessment, and tailor rehabilitation or exercise prescriptions.

Four main modes of exercise testing are: treadmill (graded walking/running to assess cardiopulmonary response), cycle ergometer (controlled cycling workload), arm ergometer (upper‑body testing for those with lower‑limb limitations), and field tests (practical tests like the 6‑minute walk or shuttle walk used to evaluate functional capacity in community settings).

Before a CPET (cardiopulmonary exercise test): avoid heavy meals and alcohol for 24 hours, and caffeine and smoking for at least 12 to 24 hours. Skip strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours. Continue prescribed medications unless told otherwise; bring a medication list and inhalers. Wear comfortable, loose clothing and flat athletic shoes. Get a normal night's sleep, arrive early, and empty your bladder before the test.

There is no clinical difference: CPET (cardiopulmonary exercise testing) and CPEX are simply alternative abbreviations for the same test. Both measure cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic responses to incremental exercise (VO2, VCO2, ventilation, heart rate) to evaluate fitness, unexplained breathlessness, peri‑operative risk and guide rehabilitation. The choice of abbreviation varies by region or facility.

Costs vary widely by country and provider. In publicly funded systems it's usually provided free when clinically indicated; private testing typically ranges roughly US $400–$1,500, UK £200–£800, and India ₹3,000–₹10,000, depending on facility, included interpretation and any additional tests. Check with local hospitals or clinics for exact pricing and what's included.

Most cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) take about 45–60 minutes total. Preparation and baseline measurements usually require 15–30 minutes, the incremental exercise phase typically lasts 8–12 minutes, and recovery/monitoring adds another 10–20 minutes. Total duration can vary by protocol, patient fitness and clinical needs, ranging roughly from 30 to 90 minutes in some cases.