Blackout Checklists

Checklist: Hospital Appointment

Specialists use tests to decide whether or not you might have syncope. Being prepared for these can significantly reduce the anxiety of a hospital visit. Try to learn about these in advance at www.stars-us.org:

  • Take a list of all medication prescribed and non-prescribed that you are taking.
  • 12-lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) for heart rhythm analysis.
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG) for brain activity analysis.
  • Tilt Table Testing to induce a Syncopal/fainting attack while connected to heart and blood pressure monitors.
  • Heart monitor to record heart rhythms while away from the hospital or to activate during an episode.
  • An insertable loop recorder which can monitor heart rhythms for months at a time, if the episodes are infrequent.

A 24-hour heart rate monitor is very unlikely to identify any problems if you experience blackouts once a week or less, so do not be afraid to ask about other options.