ØINFORMATION

Pertinent information about the patient’s health, including a brief history, current diagnosis, treatment regimen, and a list of medications should be forwarded on the consult form prior to testing.

Testing can be done on an outpatient basis and completed within 90 minutes.

ØMEDICATIONS

Some medications can interfere with test results.  Patients should be advised regarding the use of the following medications:

Avoid 24 hours prior to testing:

• sympathomimetic and sympatholytic drugs (alpha- and beta- agonists and antagonists),
• parasympathomimetic, and parasymphatholytic drugs (anti-depressants, Atropine),
• antihistamines, OTC cough and cold medications, 9-a fludorcortisone (Florinef), Proamatine   (Midodrine), diuretics.

Note: The patients have to consult their physician before discontinuing any medications!!
In some cases, testing can be performed while using the cardiovascular active medications to evaluate the effect of the treatment.

ØFOOD, DRINK, AND TOBACCO

Patients should consume only easily digestible foods on the day of testing and avoid all food three hours prior to testing.  Avoid products, which contain caffeine (coffee, tea, and some sodas), tobacco (both smoked and chewed), or alcohol for at least three hours prior to testing.

ØCLOTHING

In order to be most comfortable, patients should wear soft, non-restrictive clothing.   Avoid clothing which may restrict blood flow, including stockings and corsets.

ØILLNESS

The referring physician should advise the patient who has a cold, flu, or other illness, whether tests should be performed or re-scheduled to another time.   Diabetic patients should have no evidence of hypoglycemia for 12 hours prior to testing.   Ideally, patients should not be in pain, should be well rested and relaxed for testing.

ØINSURANCE

Almost all major insurance providers cover the costs of these diagnostic tests. However, it is recommended that patients check with insurance provider prior to testing.