Description:

This test is to evaluate syncope (passing out) and dizziness.

Procedure:

EKG leads will be attached to your chest to monitor your EKG's (heart tracings) during the test. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your are. An IV will be started in your arm. You will be laying on a special table that will tilt up to a 70 degree angle. You will be standing, tilted slightly back. You will be asked to stand for twenty minutes. After twenty minutes if you have no symptoms Nitroglycerin spray will be given and the test will continue for another twenty minutes. Your heart and blood pressure will be monitoring throughout the test. If anytime you faint, you will be in a secure, monitored situation and the table will be returned to a flat position. Valuable information will be recorded to help evaluate why you fainted.

Preparation:

No food or drink 8 hours prior to the test.

After the test:

After a recovery time you will be escorted to an exam room and the doctor will review the results with you.

You can resume eating and drinking immediately after the test.

If you faint, you will have the same symptoms afterwards that you had before. It is wise to bring someone with you to drive you home.