Glossary

Autonomic Reflex Testing – A series of tests that monitor blood pressure, blood flow, heart rate, skin temperature, and sweating in response to stimuli to determine if the autonomic nervous system is functionally normally

Blood Volume Determination – A test used to evaluate if the amount of blood in the body is right for a given gender, height, and weight

Cardiologist – A doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in the heart and blood vessels

Echocardiogram – A device that provides a “moving” picture of the heart, heart valves, and how the heart is pumping

Electrocardiogram (ECG) – A test that records the heart’s electrical activity

Electroencephalogram (EEG) – A test that records brain wave activity to help determine where seizures may occur

Electrophysiologist – A cardiologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating abnormal heartbeats, including when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or in a way that pumps blood inefficiently

Electrophysiology (EP) Study – A test that reproduces abnormal heart rhythms and extra heartbeats so the heart’s electrical impulses and responses to the heartbeats can be evaluated

External Loop – A recorder that is worn on the wrist or around the waist for several days or up to one month

Hemodynamic Testing – A test that evaluates the blood flow and pressure when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood throughout the body

Holter Monitor – A test that measures and records the heart’s electrical activity with a portable device that is worn for one to two days

Neurologist – A doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system

Reveal^® Insertable Cardiac Monitor – An implantable device that monitors heart rhythms automatically or by using a patient activator

Reveal^® Patient Assistant – A hand-held device that helps the Reveal Insertable Cardiac Monitor capture heart rhythms during a fainting episode

Screening Tilt Table Test – A test conducted on a table that tilts by varying angles and is connected to a machine that allows a doctor to measure blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm respond to changes in body position

Stress Test – A test performed during exercise to measure how the heart functions when there is an increase in the body’s demand for oxygen

Syncope – A brief and sudden loss of consciousness that occurs when blood pressure drops and not enough oxygen reaches the brain