Exertional dyspnoea in obesity

Abstract

The purpose of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in the obese person, as in any cardiopulmonary exercise test, is to determine the patient's exercise tolerance, and to help identify and/or distinguish between the various physiological factors that could contribute to exercise intolerance. Unexplained dyspnoea on exertion is a common reason for CPET, but it is an extremely complex symptom to explain. Sometimes obesity is the simple answer by elimination of other possibilities. Thus, distinguishing among multiple clinical causes for exertional dyspnoea depends on the ability to eliminate possibilities while recognising response patterns that are unique to the obese patient. This includes the otherwise healthy obese patient, as well as the obese patient with potentially multiple cardiopulmonary limitations. Despite obvious limitations in lung function, metabolic disease and/or cardiovascular dysfunction, obesity may be the most likely reason for exertional dyspnoea. In this article, we will review the more common cardiopulmonary responses to exercise in the otherwise healthy obese adult with special emphasis on dyspnoea on exertion. @ERSpublications Obesity alone and/or as a confounding factor may contribute to DOE requiring careful assessment during CPET http://ow.ly/Secp305mId2

The Importance of Respiratory Rate Monitoring: From Healthcare to Sport and Exercise

“…Dyspnea is a major symptom in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other cardiorespiratory diseases [135,136], in obese individuals [137], and in older adults [138]. Furthermore, it is a major determinant of exercise intolerance and sedentary behavior in these populations, with consequent impairments in function and quality of life [135,[137][138][139]. While dyspnea is a sensation of breathlessness (i.e., a symptom), an increase in resting f R is its major physiological sign [140].…”

Sixteen weeks of aerobic training influence spirometry, s-klotho, and hemodynamic responses to sub-maximal exercise testing in obese men with severe obstructive sleep apnea

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