Metabolic Stress Testing Systems 101

How to Prepare for a Metabolic Stress Test

Prior to a metabolic stress test, an expert, such as a healthcare provider, advises on how to prepare for the test as well as preparing the CPET systems. This includes dietary and medical requirements, as well as what to wear on the day of the test.

Dietary requirements – it’s recommended that you don’t consume a heavy meal within two hours of your test, and avoid drinking alcohol within four hours of your test.

Medical and medication-related precautions – take medication as normal and bring any rescue medication (such as inhalers and nitrolingual spray) to your test appointment if necessary.

Clothing and equipment requirements – you should wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for exercise.

What to Expect During a Metabolic Stress Test

During a metabolic stress test appointment, the person undergoing the test will firstly be monitored at rest. This includes a professional measuring the resting blood pressure and heart rate and rhythm, as well as conducting a breathing test, of the recipient.

The test will then begin, where the recipient will exercise on a bicycle or treadmill. Measurements of blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, breathing, and oxygen levels will again be taken during this. To do this, the person undergoing the test will wear a mouthpiece or face mask; have an ECG attached to their chest; a blood pressure monitor cuff on their upper arm; and a pulse oximeter on their finger.

Finally, the recipient will be monitored in the same way whilst recovering from exercise. The test in total lasts around 90 minutes.

The potential side effects and risks of the metabolic stress test are minimal, with the risks sitting at the same rate as mild to moderate exercise. Symptoms may include: fainting, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a change in heart rhythm; more extreme complications are rare. However, the recipient will be evaluated by a healthcare professional throughout the test to ensure that they don’t experience adverse reactions.

Interpreting the Results of a Metabolic Stress Test

Once the results of the test have been finalised, a healthcare provider or consultant will then be able to discuss the results with their patient. They will explain various measurements, as well as the parameters of normal and abnormal results.

Abnormal measurements may be caused by:

• Abnormal heart beat and rhythms
• Abnormal changes in your ECG reading
• Poor oxygenation capacity

This can occur both whilst undergoing physical activity and at rest and can indicate further health problems. Next steps will be discussed.

Limitations and Considerations of Metabolic Stress Testing

As with all testing systems, there are limitations and considerations which will be discussed with the person undergoing the test by the clinician.

Some instances where accuracy can be affected include:

• The person undergoing the test does not follow instructions before and during the test
• The professional providing the test does not perform to the expected and necessary standard, including briefing the patient and recording measurements
• If equipment is not properly prepared, maintained or serviced

There are also potential limitations to the test depending on specific populations. For instance, obese, disabled, physically impaired, and elderly people may not be able to safely perform the test. In these instances, the clinician may adapt the test, such as using a different type of bike or an arm crank.