1. What is a METS Stress Test Calculator with Calcium?

Definition: This calculator determines Metabolic Equivalents (METS) from oxygen consumption during exercise stress testing, with optional coronary artery calcium scoring.

Purpose: It helps assess cardiovascular fitness and, when combined with calcium scoring, provides additional coronary artery disease risk stratification.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \text{METS} \) — Metabolic equivalents (dimensionless)
• \( \text{VO₂} \) — Oxygen consumption (mL/kg/min)
• 3.5 — Resting oxygen consumption (mL/kg/min)

Calcium Score Interpretation:

• 0: Very Low Risk
• 1-100: Low Risk
• 101-400: Moderate Risk
• >400: High Risk

3. Importance of METS and Calcium Scoring

Details: METS measures exercise capacity, while calcium scoring detects coronary artery calcification. Together they provide comprehensive cardiovascular assessment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter VO₂ from cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Optional calcium score (Agatston units) adds risk stratification. Higher METS indicate better fitness.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good METS score?
A: Generally, <5 METS is poor, 5-8 is fair, 9-11 is good, and >12 is excellent for most adults.

Q2: How is VO₂ measured?
A: Through cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) using specialized equipment to measure oxygen consumption.

Q3: What does the calcium score mean?
A: It quantifies coronary artery calcium, a marker of atherosclerosis. Higher scores indicate more plaque.

Q4: Should everyone get a calcium score?
A: It's typically for intermediate-risk patients to refine risk assessment. Discuss with your doctor.

Q5: How does calcium scoring affect METS interpretation?
A: A high calcium score may indicate higher cardiovascular risk even with good METS, warranting closer monitoring.