Tools of the Trade: How Do You Perform and Interpret an Exercise Test?

Abstract

Background: Most pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) is poorly modifiable and incurable even with effective therapy. Therefore, adaptation to stress, the reserve of the cardiopulmonary system, is important for assessment of patient function and prognosis. Methods that assess the adaptation to stress, especially exercise, provide valuable insight into diagnosis, prognosis, and response to therapy. Implications for Clinicians: We provide a comprehensive review of the indications, methodology, and interpretation, as well as practical information of the forms of provocative testing in PVD. We include 6-minute walk testing, noninvasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), invasive CPET, and additional forms, including volume loading. Conclusions: Through a clear understanding of the methodology in the assessment of PVD, the clinician can determine which of these “tools of the trade” are best suited to the individual patient and situation.