Miscellaneous ProceduresWhen you suffer from symptoms like high blood pressure, generalized chest pain, shortness of breath or a family history of heart disease you may benefit from the cardiology services performed at AMS Cardiology. Our team of doctors and heart specialists offers many noninvasive procedures, testing and treatments at our locations across the Montgomery County PA area to diagnose heart problems. Find out more about our miscellaneous procedures and testing below or call our office at (215) 517-1000 and request an appointment.
What Is a Tilt Table Test?
A tilt table test is used to evaluate the cause of unexplained fainting (syncope). If your doctor suspects you have syncope, they will assess your medical history and complete a physical examination. If repeated and unexplained episodes of lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting continue your healthcare provider might recommend a tilt table test procedure. A tilt table test involves laying on a table which is then tilted upright to trigger signs and symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting while monitoring your heart rate and blood pressure for 20-40 minutes. After 20 minutes, medication may be administered that lowers your blood pressure slightly. In patients prone to fainting, these actions frequently reproduce their clinical symptoms and help tailor their treatment program. The results are based on whether or not you faint while lying on the table and what happens to your blood pressure and heart rate. A positive result occurs when your blood pressure decreases, causing dizziness or fainting. A negative result happens when your heart rate slightly increases, blood pressure doesn’t drop and there are no symptoms of fainting.
What Is Electrical Cardioversion?
Cardioversion is a procedure used to restore the heart’s normal rhythm and may be necessary for patients with certain arrhythmias (most commonly atrial fibrillation). An electrical cardioversion procedure helps to put the heart back into a normal rhythm using medicines (chemical cardioversion) or an electric device (electrical cardioversion). Cardioversion can correct several types of fast or irregular heart rhythms including:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrial tachycardia
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
During an electrical cardioversion procedure, you’ll lie on a bed and sedation is administered through an IV which will put you to sleep for about five minutes. During that time, a short “jolt” of electricity is delivered through two electrocardiogram patches (EKG) placed on the outside of your chest. The shocks interrupt your normal electrical rhythm and usually restore a normal heart rhythm. Once you’re fully awake, your provider will discuss the procedure results with you and your plan of care.
Why Choose AMS Cardiology?
At AMS, we are committed to preventing and treating all aspects of cardiovascular disease through our renowned treatment options. We pride ourselves on being lifelong learners always on the cutting edge of cardiovascular medicine. Whether you are interested in learning more about a tilt table test procedure or would like to build a comprehensive treatment plan for healthy heart habits, we are here to help you. Schedule an appointment by calling us at 215-517-1000.