What are some relative contraindications for cardiopulmonary exercise testing?

Question

1. Severe pulmonary hypertension or cor pulmonale
2. Known electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia)
3. SaO2 or SpO2 less than 85% breathing room air
4. Untreated or unstable asthma
a. 2 and 4 only
b. 1, 2, and 3 only
c. 1, 2, 3, and 4
d. 1, 2, and 4 only

Answer 1

ANS: C
Relative contraindications to exercise testing include (1) patients who cannot or will not perform the test, (2) severe pulmonary hypertension/cor pulmonale, (3) known electrolyte disturbances (hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia), (4) resting diastolic blood pressure greater than 110 mm Hg or resting systolic blood pressure greater than 200 mm Hg, (5) neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, or rheumatoid disorders exacerbated by exercise, (6) uncontrolled metabolic disease (e.g., diabetes), (7) SaO2 or SpO2 less than 85% with the subject breathing room air, (8) untreated or unstable asthma, or (9) angina with exercise.