Maximum oxygen uptake during exercise is one of the best predictors of operative mortality and of prognosis in chronic cardiac or respiratory disease. Cardio-pulmonary exercise (CPEX) tests are therefore an increasingly common component of pre-operative assessment and the management of patients with chronic cardiopulmonary problems. Part of the Oxford Respiratory Medicine Library (ORML) series, this pocketbook guides clinicians through the parameters measured in CPEX testing so that they can understand the underlying physiology and are able to interpret the results. Clinical scenarios, common patterns, key points, and practical tips all make this book easy to follow, even for those readers who have little prior knowledge of the subject.

Part 1. Introduction
Why do a CPEX?
How to do a CPEX
Part 2. Key CPEX parameters
Oxygen uptake
Heart rate
Oxygen-pulse
Ventilation
Carbon dioxide output
The respiratory exchange ratio
The anaerobic threshold
Ventilatory equivalents
The respiratory compensation point
Oxygen desaturation
Part 3. Using CPEX data
Presentation of results
Exercise prescription
Clinical scenarios
Pre-operative CPEX testing
Part 4. Appendices
Further reading
List of key points
List of practical tips