An integrated approach to the interpretation of cardiopulmonary exercise testing

This article demonstrates how the impressive amount of information obtained during cardiopulmonary exercise testing can be reasonably managed and meaningfully applied in the clinical decision-making process. An integrative approach is highlighted that emphasizes patterns of abnormalities and limitations to exercise so that reliance on single measurements is reduced. Illustrative case studies demonstrate the integrative method to the interpretation of cardiopulmonary exercise testing that may be used routinely in clinical practice.