Publicação

Cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing in Portugal

Detalhes bibliográficos
Resumo:	Introduction and objectives: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides relevant data in several clinical contexts. Although reports highlight its application across various moments of the cardiovascular continuum, from heart failure (HF) to the assessment of athletes, its implementation has been described as suboptimal. This study aimed to assess perspectives on CPET training and usage patterns among cardiologists in Portugal. Methods: An online questionnaire divided into three parts (participant characteristics, training and application of CPET and knowledge assessment) was structured and sent to members of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. The study population comprised physicians with a medical specialty in cardiology (specialists or residents from the second year onwards). Results: Seventy individuals (52.9% male, 57.1% ≤50 years old) provided valid answers. Most (58.6%) had access to CPET in their workplace, while 65.7% reported using it in their clinical practice; HF was the most frequent indication for use. Just under half of participants (48.6%) had not dedicated or intended to dedicate time to CPET during residency; lack of access, interest, and time were the most frequently reported reasons. Less than half of those who participated in CPET exams during residency thought they had become proficient in its use. Most participants (97.1%) reported that specific training during residency could improve usage. Conclusions: This survey provides up-to-date information on CPET implementation, highlighting challenges and areas of potential improvement, such as training and accessibility. These findings may provide a framework for optimizing the use of this key test in cardiovascular medicine.
Autores principais:	Vilela, Eduardo M.
Outros Autores:	Bento, Luísa; Antunes, Alexandre; Oliveira, Luís; Mendes, Miguel; Abreu, Ana; Durazzo, Anaí; Cunha, Gonçalo; Dores, Hélder; Pereira, Hélder; Gameiro, João; Gonçalves, Lino; Teixeira, Madalena; Santos, Mário; Dinis, Paulo; Fontes-Carvalho, Ricardo; Amorim, Sandra; Gavina, Cristina
Assunto:	Cardiology training Cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing Preventive cardiology Sports cardiology Training Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Ano:	2026
País:	Portugal
Tipo de documento:	artigo
Tipo de acesso:	acesso aberto
Instituição associada:	Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Idioma:	inglês
Origem:	Repositório Institucional da UNL

Descrição
Resumo:	Introduction and objectives: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides relevant data in several clinical contexts. Although reports highlight its application across various moments of the cardiovascular continuum, from heart failure (HF) to the assessment of athletes, its implementation has been described as suboptimal. This study aimed to assess perspectives on CPET training and usage patterns among cardiologists in Portugal. Methods: An online questionnaire divided into three parts (participant characteristics, training and application of CPET and knowledge assessment) was structured and sent to members of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. The study population comprised physicians with a medical specialty in cardiology (specialists or residents from the second year onwards). Results: Seventy individuals (52.9% male, 57.1% ≤50 years old) provided valid answers. Most (58.6%) had access to CPET in their workplace, while 65.7% reported using it in their clinical practice; HF was the most frequent indication for use. Just under half of participants (48.6%) had not dedicated or intended to dedicate time to CPET during residency; lack of access, interest, and time were the most frequently reported reasons. Less than half of those who participated in CPET exams during residency thought they had become proficient in its use. Most participants (97.1%) reported that specific training during residency could improve usage. Conclusions: This survey provides up-to-date information on CPET implementation, highlighting challenges and areas of potential improvement, such as training and accessibility. These findings may provide a framework for optimizing the use of this key test in cardiovascular medicine.