Resting V′_E/V′_CO2 adds to inspiratory capacity to predict the burden of exertional dyspnoea in COPD

Extract

Exertional dyspnoea is a cardinal symptom of patients with COPD [1]. Incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), in particular, might provide useful mechanistic insights into the genesis of this distressing symptom. More recently, there is growing evidence that ventilatory inefficiency (high ventilation (V′_E)/carbon dioxide output (V′_CO2) nadir) coupled with assessment of operating lung volumes (peak tidal volume (V_T)/dynamic inspiratory capacity (IC_dyn)) are key to uncover the origins and consequences of exertional dyspnoea in COPD [2].