[Estimation of cardio-respiratory energy reserves by ergometric exploration]

Beyond the usual respiratory functional tests, ergometry represents a complementary test, yielding much information on the functioning of the lung-heart system. Simultaneous recording, studying and comparing different respiratory and haemodynamic functional parameters during effort, provides an objective appreciation of the cardio-respiratory energetic reserve. Such a study is necessary to estimate a functional handicap and to understand the pathophysiological alterations of the cardio-respiratory system. The estimation of energetic reserve based on the simultaneous study of multiple respiratory and circulatory parameters also provides valuable information. Ergometry is of equal value in the estimation of operating risks in pulmonary surgery. Information drawn from more than 600 ergometric tests composed of simultaneous recording of 8 parameters (heart rate, ECG, pulse volume, spirogram, ventilation per minute, SAO2, capnogram, right ventricular pressure) have confirmed the great value of this method in pulmonary medicine.