Diagnosing Syncope
Your doctor will ask you about your fainting episode and health history. You will also be examined. And your doctor may order one or more tests.
History and Physical
You may be asked about:
Where and when you fainted, and how long the episode lasted
How you felt just before and right after you fainted
Any family history of heart disease or fainting
Any cardiac or neurological problems you may have
Any medications you may be taking
Your doctor will examine you. Your doctor may:
Check your blood pressure several times
Listen for any murmurs or unusual heartbeats
Examine your eyes, reflexes, and the movement of your limbs
Testing
Electrocardiogram (ECG): This can help your doctor find a slow or a fast heartbeat.
Holter and Event Monitoring: For Holter monitoring, a portable ECG monitor records your heartbeat for 24 hours. An event recorder is similar, but worn for several weeks.
Echocardiogram: This test takes pictures of your heart. It can show heart valve or heart function problems. Or it can reveal damage from a heart attack.
Electrophysiology Studies (EPS): These help your doctor find weak or damaged electrical pathways that make your heart beat too fast or too slow. These studies help your doctor determine the exact cause of your heart rate problem and how to treat it.
Tilt Table Testing: Tilt table testing helps show if changes in your body position affect your heart rate and blood pressure.