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Cardiopulmonary exercise testing. An underutilized diagnostic tool in Saudi Arabia
Hazzaa M Al-Hazzaa1, Abdullah F Al-Mobeireek, Abdurrahman M Al-Howaikan
1Exercise Physiology Laboratory, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. halhazzaa@hotmail.com
Saudi Medical Journal
|October 21, 2004
Summary
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is significantly underused in Saudi hospitals, with over 85% not employing this diagnostic tool for cardiopulmonary diseases due to resource limitations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a valuable diagnostic tool.
- Its utilization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) remains largely unassessed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current use of CPET in major Saudi hospitals.
- To understand the methodologies employed in conducting CPET.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted using self-reported questionnaires sent to 54 major hospitals in KSA.
- Data from the returned questionnaires (64.2% response rate) were coded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Over 85% of surveyed centers do not utilize CPET, despite routine use of stress electrocardiogram tests.
- Key barriers include lack of equipment, trained technicians, and interpretation expertise.
- Planned future adoption of CPET was indicated by 21% of non-user centers.
Conclusions:
- CPET is severely underutilized as a diagnostic tool for cardiopulmonary diseases in Saudi hospitals.
- Increased physician awareness regarding CPET's benefits is crucial for wider adoption.