SusanD & company...

[SerenaWelsh]

Had my cardio pulmonary Exercise test today. Got some numbers of the tech.

Last year, my VO2 was about 17 (only number I have from then).
This year -
VO2 25.3
Predicted peak 86%
Vent Thresh 15.6
VE/MVV 92.6
VE-VCO2 slope 28.4

Can I get a translation? Said it may be a "while" before hearing from the doc....

[melissamph]

I don't know how to answer this question. I know very little about this but I am sure Susan can and certaily Dr. Fett. I am glad you are back from the test and posted your results! Did you see the doc too? Praying for improvement! The numbers are certainly different than the last one! So do you feel better than you did with the last one you took it? Can't wait to read what Dr. Fett or Susan post! Praying for super great results!

[Lisa V]

I cant help either but I wanted to also let you know that I am praying for Super Results!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Karen T]

Serena....while I cannot translate the meaning for you, I can relate your numbers to my numbers. I'm going off memory here, so bear with me. Two months after diagnosis, my VO2 was 12.2 and a year later it was 13.6, while it improved, it was a very small improvement.
I believe that the number somehow correlates to your age and possibly even height/weight. I recall hearing that my expected numbers should have been 28-35. There is some comparison to the number of METs from a standard treadmill test. I believe that 5 MET's is the standard used for disability and when my VO2 was compared to MET's it met the criteria for disability.
You may find this article helpful
http://www.chfpatients.com/tests/vo2.htm
I hope I didn't confuse you. To me, the numbers look pretty good!
Karen

[SerenaWelsh]

My Doc had his nurse give me a call today.
They're ecstatic with my numbers. Apparently 25% is the low end of normal, but is still NORMAL!! WOOHOO.


I'm elated by this news, but confused. What does this test actually meassure?
If my EF is around 25%, and my V02 is around 25%, does this mean that my heart is working really really hard, but still managing to get the job done? And as long as it's getting the job done, that's the important thing - right??

Also, let me just say - I got the BEST nights sleep last night after that test. It kicked my butt, stole my energy - but man do I feel good today!

[melissamph]

Serena I am thrilled for your numbers. I have never had that test nor do I know anything about them. I do know though that you said you are well rested and that the doc's office said they were ecstatic! So I am doing the happy joy joy dance for you too! Yeah!!!

[dawn]

Congrats!!! Keep up the good work.

[Lisa V]

I am so happy for you, to finally have some good news about your EF is making dance too................You have really come a long way since we first meet and I am so glad for that everyday.

[SusanD]

Ok, I'll have to pull out an old textbook for this one (lest anyone think I'm a brilliant genius who carries around all these facts, LOL !)

This year -
VO2 25.3- this is the maximal rate of oxygen uptake. This is the maximal rate at which oxygen can be taken up, distributed and used by the body in the performance of work.

This number depends upon the proper functioning of three systems in the body: the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system (in particular the pumping ability) and the musculoskeletal system which uses the oxygen to convert stored energy into actual work and heat.

I don't have the normals in front of me for you age, sex and weight....maybe a computer search for "age predicted VO2 max" would give you more info.

I have no idea what the other numbers are ! It sounds like a good improvement though.


Predicted peak 86%
Vent Thresh 15.6
VE/MVV 92.6
VE-VCO2 slope 28.4

[SerenaWelsh]

Thanks, Susan.

I googled as you suggested and came up with the following site for anyone who's interested. I'm not sure I understand the importance of the test any better...

http://www.chfpatients.com/tests/vo2.htm

[Yvonne]

Serena,

Your result on the test sounds wonderful. I think 25 is a great number!
I know I'm always a bit stressed before the test (is that why they call it a stress test??) because one of my doctors once said for her this was the most important test (it was when they were actually talking about a transplant, a loooooooooooong time ago). My last test was in february and I didn't have very amazing results, my VO2max was only 19.3. The only explaination I could give for this result was that I was very stressed, hadn't sleep much and after the test I was not exhausted at all. So I wonder how long did you spend on the treadmill? Did you have the feeling you gave everything? When did you stop?
Maybe your answers can make me feel less nervous the next time.

[SerenaWelsh]

Yvonne,

I went 15 minutes, 23 or 28 seconds...can't remember for sure.
At the 14 minute mark, the tech asked if I would be able to complete the next course (2 minutes). I shrugged. I didn't know if I would or not. I was tired, but felt "ok."
Then at 15 minutes, 23 or 28 seconds, I got very light headed and VERY dizzy. I tried to keep pushing through it, but ended up kind of "going down." I didn't pass our or anything, I just sort of tripped up. I had given it everything I had.
Last year, I don't know if I got into the anaerobic zone or not. I scored a 17 something - but had to quit because my upper legs felt like they were on fire. They cramped up and wouldn't move. I was on an exercise bike that time. This time I was on a treadmill. They did say that treadmill numbers are usually one or two points higher...
The tech said they can tell from the numbers if you just sort of stopped, or if you actually reached a point that should tire you out. I wonder if that's when they see you getting into the anaerobic zone? Not sure...
But 19.3 isn't a bad number either!!! It's a good distance from the magical 14!!

[marciejw]

Hi Serena,

I am not sure what the number mean. I have not had been told those number at all. Should I ask? Who is your cardio in Raleigh?

[SerenaWelsh]

Marcie,

I see Dr. Felker at Duke in Durham. When we spoke last year, I think I might have still been at UNC.

These numbers came from a cardio pulmonary exercise test. Have you had one? It's done on either an exercise bike, or a treadmill.

Give me a call sometimes. Let's catch up. 845-9430