Heart Disease Health Center

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Depending on what the physical exam shows, the doctor may want to do tests. These tests may include:

• Blood tests.
• Heart tests such as ECG, ambulatory monitoring (with a Holter monitor or event monitor, for example), echocardiogram, or an exercise stress test.
• A tilt table test. This test checks how your body responds to changes in position.
• Tests for nervous system problems, such as CT scan of the head, MRI of the brain, or EEG.

What should you do about fainting?

If you know you tend to faint at certain times (such as when you get a shot or have blood drawn), it may help to:

• Sit with your head between your knees or lie down if you feel faint or have warning signs such as feeling dizzy, weak, warm, or sick to your stomach.
• Drink plenty of fluids so you don't get dehydrated.
• Stand up slowly.

You may need to see a doctor if you have ongoing dizziness or fainting.