Optimizing the clinical application of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with heart failure

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) is a well-accepted evaluation technique in patients with heart failure (HF). Even so, interpretation of the wealth of data obtained from CPX remains a challenge. The body of evidence demonstrating the clinical value of CPX in HF point toward several key variables that should be assessed in each patient. These variables include ventilatory efficiency, aerobic capacity, expired carbon dioxide and heart rate recovery. Furthermore, a simple clinical evaluation form, prompting the assessment of key variables, has yet to be developed. The purpose of the present clinical case study in a patient with HF is to highlight key CPX variables and propose a clinical evaluation form.