Oxygen pulse

Oxygen Pulse is a medical term that refers to the amount of oxygen consumed per heartbeat. It is a measure of the efficiency of oxygen usage by the heart and is often used in cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Definition

The Oxygen Pulse is defined as the amount of oxygen consumed (VO2) per heartbeat. It is calculated by dividing the VO2 by the heart rate. The unit of measurement is milliliters of oxygen per beat (ml/beat).

Clinical Significance

The oxygen pulse is a measure of the efficiency of oxygen usage by the heart. It is often used in cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess the functional capacity of the heart and lungs. A low oxygen pulse may indicate a problem with the heart's ability to pump blood, while a high oxygen pulse may indicate a problem with the lungs' ability to oxygenate the blood.

Measurement

The oxygen pulse is typically measured during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). During this test, the patient exercises on a treadmill or bicycle while their heart rate and oxygen consumption are monitored. The oxygen pulse is then calculated from these measurements.

Factors Affecting Oxygen Pulse

Several factors can affect the oxygen pulse, including age, sex, fitness level, and the presence of heart or lung disease. For example, the oxygen pulse tends to decrease with age and is generally lower in women than in men. It is also lower in people with heart or lung disease and in those who are unfit.

See Also

• Cardiopulmonary exercise test
• Oxygen consumption
• Heart rate

References

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