ECG electrodes will be connected to your chest. (Your chest hair may need to be shaven). You will then be strapped onto a tilt table with foot support. Next, a small infusion line will be inserted on your hand to provide intravenous access. Your ECG and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the test.

The test is done in 3 stages:

Stage 1: Finger pressure will be applied to an artery in the neck (the carotid artery), first on the right side and then on the left side (carotid sinus massage).

Stage 2: The tilt table will be tilted upright to an angle of 60-70 degrees and you will remain in that position for up to 18 minutes.

Stage 3: During this stage, which may last for about 15 minutes, a drug (isoprenaline) will be given via the intravenous line. The dosage will be increased gradually so as to increase the heart rate to a desired level.

You may experience some fast and strong heartbeats at this point. The test will be terminated at any stage when you experience giddiness or are about to faint or on completion of the test.

At the end of the test, you will be returned to the horizontal position. After a short rest, you may go home or back to your normal activities. This procedure will take about 1 hour.