Issue 5/2026
Lekova, R., Vassileva, Z.
Department of Pediatric Cardiology, National Cardiology Hospital – Sofia
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a modern non-invasive method for objective assessment of physical capacity through analysis of cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic function during physical exertion. In the pediatric population, it is widely used in both healthy children and in athletes, as well as in patients with congenital and acquired heart diseases. CPET provides information on key parameters such as peak oxygen consumption (VO₂ peak), anaerobic threshold, and ventilatory efficiency, which allow assessment of aerobic capacity and differentiation of the mechanisms of exercise limitation. The method plays a significant role in diagnosis, follow-up, and evaluation of therapeutic effects, as well as in determining a safe level of physical activity.
Key words: cardiopulmonary exercise testing; physical capacity; pediatric population; peak oxygen consumption; anaerobic threshold; ventilatory efficiency
Adress for correspondence:
Dr. Reneta Lekova
Department of Pediatric Cardiology,
National Cardiology Hospital – Sofia
65 Konyovitsa St.
1309, Sofia
tel.: +359 895 640 896
e-mail: reneta.lekova@abv.bg