SportsCardiology BC announces first-of-its kind Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) Laboratory in British Columbia
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, a key philanthropic partner for Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), in collaboration with SportsCardiologyBC, announced the recent launch of the cardiopulmonary exercise test (“CPET”) laboratory at UBC Hospital, the first CPET lab in British Columbia dedicated to the athletic and active cardiac population. The lab is designed to help in the early detection of undiagnosed cardiovascular disease and detect risk factors before a cardiac event occurs in both healthy individuals and those with past heart conditions. CPET equipment provides cardiologist with data to better understand the impact of physical activity on a person’s heart. It can also be used to enhance diagnosis and help establish baseline testing for tailored treatment.
“With our new CPET machine we have been testing athletes and first responders to collect data that will continue to enhance the research of SportsCardiologyBC, and inform future discoveries,” said Dr. Saul Isserow, Medical Director of SportsCardiologyBC and of Vancouver Coastal Health’s Sports Cardiology Department at UBC Hospital. “The CPET machine is a core diagnostic tool that can simultaneously look at both the pulmonary and cardiac variables from a health and fitness perspective in individuals while they are exercising, such as heart rate and rhythm, and oxygen consumption. This data will help us understand the baseline for healthy individuals, as well as investigate metabolic, respiratory, or possible cardiovascular disease, and peripheral defects in oxygen transport in very active and athletic individuals.”
SportsCardiologyBC is the largest sports cardiology group in Canada, and the only group to specifically have two sports cardiology trained cardiologists on staff—Dr. Jimmy McKinney and Dr. Nate Moulson. This multi-disciplinary group, which consists of top-tier cardiologists, sports medicine doctors, rehabilitation experts and neurologists, diagnose and treat heart problems in active and athletic British Columbians, including physically active seniors. By leveraging the CPET lab, SportsCardiologyBC is taking strides towards being the national centre for research and evaluation of cardiac symptoms from physical activity.
“We are proud to partner with SportsCardiologyBC, which focuses on research, education, advocacy and clinical assessments of athletic and active British Columbians,” said Angela Chapman, President and CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “British Columbia has a very active population, and SportsCardiologyBC, with the help of the new CPET machine, is providing research and programs to ensure that our athletic residents can stay healthy and active for as long as possible. Dr. Isserow and his team are bringing world-renowned care to British Columbians - and Canadians.”
“CPET is considered the gold standard in monitoring heart health in response to exercise, and in the diagnosis of possible cardiovascular or pulmonary impairments in the presence of exercise intolerance,” said Dr. Isserow.
SportsCardiologyBC’s work is particularly important, given that the survival rate in Canada for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests – including on the playing field, the hiking trail or in the gym – is just five per cent. Dr. Isserow and his colleagues want to ensure fewer athletes experience heart attacks, and of those that do, more survive. To do so, the clinic educates family doctors, coaches and athletes about cardiovascular risks associated with exercise, and advocates for changes to British Columbia’s health care system, making it easier for people around the province to get sports cardiology assistance when they need it.
SportsCardiologyBC and the CPET Lab are funded in part by private donations received by VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. For more information on SportsCardiology BC visit https://sportscardiologybc.org/
About VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is Vancouver Coastal Health‘s primary philanthropic partner, raising funds for specialized adult health services and research for all British Columbians. We partner with donors to drive innovation and sustainable health care at VGH, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and Vancouver Community Health Services. Together, we deliver a healthy continuum of care – from research to patient care, rehabilitation, and community health services. For more information, please visit vghfoundation.ca.