Functional capacity evaluation

Functional capacity evaluation

Functional capacity evaluation

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Functional Capacity - METs Matter

  • MET (Metabolic Equivalent): A measure of oxygen consumption. 1 MET is the basal metabolic rate at rest.
  • Assessing METs helps stratify perioperative cardiac risk. The key threshold is 4 METs.
    • < 4 METs: Poor functional capacity. (e.g., Activities of Daily Living, walking indoors)
    • ≥ 4 METs: Good functional capacity. (e.g., climbing a flight of stairs, cycling)

MET Levels and Activities Chart

⭐ If a patient's functional status is uncertain, the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) can be used. A score of <34 correlates with an inability to achieve 4 METs.

METs Scoreboard - Activity Power Levels

  • 1 MET: Basal energy requirement at rest.
  • < 4 METs (Poor): Light activities.
    • Self-care (dressing, eating).
    • Walking around the house.
    • Light housework (dishwashing).
  • 4-10 METs (Good): Moderate activities.
    • Climbing one flight of stairs (~4 METs).
    • Running a short distance.
    • Heavy housework (scrubbing floors).
    • Moderate sports: golf, cycling, swimming.
  • > 10 METs (Excellent): Strenuous activities.
    • Strenuous sports: singles tennis, basketball, skiing.

METs Associated With Different Activities

⭐ A key perioperative risk threshold is the inability to perform activities meeting a 4-MET demand. This often prompts further non-invasive cardiac testing before major surgery.

The 4-METs Rule - Go or No-Go?

  • MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task): A measure of exercise capacity. 1 MET is the resting metabolic rate.
  • The 4-METs level is a crucial threshold in pre-operative cardiac risk assessment, gauging ability to withstand surgical stress.
  • < 4 METs (Poor): Slow walking (2-3 mph), light housework, dressing.
  • ≥ 4 METs (Good): Climbing a flight of stairs, brisk walking (4 mph), heavy housework, dancing.

⭐ Inability to climb two flights of stairs or walk four blocks (a surrogate for 4 METs) is a significant predictor of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications.

METs for daily activities: rest, walking, and running

  • Functional capacity is a key independent predictor of perioperative cardiac risk, measured in Metabolic Equivalents (METs).
  • Poor capacity (<4 METs) is the inability to climb one flight of stairs or walk 4 blocks; it signals high risk.
  • Good capacity (≥4 METs) often allows proceeding with surgery without further cardiac testing.
  • Excellent capacity (>10 METs) involves strenuous activities like swimming or tennis.
  • The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) is a validated questionnaire to estimate METs.

Practice Questions: Functional capacity evaluation

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 40-year-old female volunteers for an invasive study to measure her cardiac function. She has no previous cardiovascular history and takes no medications. With the test subject at rest, the following data is collected using blood tests, intravascular probes, and a closed rebreathing circuit: Blood hemoglobin concentration 14 g/dL Arterial oxygen content 0.22 mL O2/mL Arterial oxygen saturation 98% Venous oxygen content 0.17 mL O2/mL Venous oxygen saturation 78% Oxygen consumption 250 mL/min The patient's pulse is 75/min, respiratory rate is 14/ min, and blood pressure is 125/70 mm Hg. What is the cardiac output of this volunteer?

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Flashcards: Functional capacity evaluation

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PSA can be used as a surveillance marker for recurrent disease after _____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

PSA can be used as a surveillance marker for recurrent disease after _____

prostatectomy

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