Validation of Electrical Cardiometry Versus Fick Method in Cardiac Output Measurement

Validation of Electrical Cardiometry Versus Fick Method to Measure Stroke Volume and Cardiac Output in Patients With or Suspected of Having Heart Failure

The investigators would like to find out if AESCULON®, a new device that non-invasively and continuously measures cardiac output using electrical cardiometry, works as well as one existing method--Fick method in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age >= 18 yd;
• Level 3 cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Proven or suspected disease involving severe aortic regurgitation;
• Implanted with a rate-responsive cardiac pacemaker;
• Pneumothorax or pleural effusion;
• Skin lesion(s) at the place where the electrode is supposed to be applied;
• Allergic to adhesive of ECG electrodes.