Pulmonary Function Test

Altho it has yet to happen, my heart failure cardiologist wants me to have a Pulmonary Function Test.  My visit to Rochester's Mayo Clinic last year (for hematology and cardiology) resulted in the easy 6 - min and 11 - min "walks" on a treadmill. No issues were reported.  After having my Iliotibial band successfully treated a few months ago, I've resumed 3 to 4 mile stints on the treadmill at 3 to 3.5 mph. A Spirometry test 18 months ago showed only "mild" COPD. Cardiologist says he wants a "baseline."  I've not been able to make contact with him the past couple months - what could he be looking for?

1 Comments

Heart lung assesment...

by BOBTHOM - 2018-10-16 13:03:49

They are looking to see how well your heart and lungs are behaving together.  This assesment will let them plan future treatment steps. 

For the spirometry test, always as about and look at the FEV1 number.  They have you do it 3 times, first is "Pre" (before inhaling a bronchodialator), then the next ones are after.  They look at the best (highest) FEV1 number.  Saying you hve mild COPD puts it between 50% and 70% of predicted value I think. 

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

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