This non-invasive stress test detects heartbeat variations that can trigger sudden cardiac death. Here are some important facts about the test:

• Sudden cardiac death is the nation's leading cause of death. While even the fittest among us can be at risk, those with congestive heart failure, fainting spells, palpitations, coronary artery disease and post heart attack patients are at particularly high risk.
• T-wave alternans is a non-invasive test that measures the electrical conduction of the heart. The test can detect tiny heartbeat variations that can disturb the patient's heart rhythm and trigger sudden cardiac death. These tiny heart beat variations are only noticed using T-wave.
• Identification of underlying, pre-identifiable electrical disorders that put patients at risk for sudden cardiac death saves lives.
• The test requires a physician order.
• The T-wave test has been shown to be comparable or superior to invasive tests used to determine patient risk for sudden cardiac death.
• Usually, no preparation is needed for the test. However, your physician may give you further information regarding special preparation
• The skin on the chest needs to be bare for the electrodes to work. Hair may need to be shaved off of areas on the chest.
• The test will not hurt. However, some minor irritation may occur when cleaning the skin for electrode placement.
• Throughout the test, the patient will be attached to electrodes placed on the patient's chest that monitor their heart rate and heart rhythm.
• In order to detect T-wave alternans, the patient's heart rate must be elevated in between 90 and 110 beats per minute for 2.5 minutes. If the physician chooses to have the patient exercise in order to increase their heart rate, the patient will walk on the treadmill for about ten minutes. The amount of time spent exercising will depend on how long it takes the heart rate to elevate to the appropriate range.
• The patient will have to walk on the treadmill or will be given a drug to elevate their heart rate. The physician decides which method to utilize to elevate the heart rate.
• If T-wave alternans (tiny heart beat variations) are identified when the patient's heart rate is in between 90-110, the test is positive.
• The identification of T-wave alternans has been linked to cardiac pathology and risk for sudden cardiac death and lethal heart rhythms.
• T-wave is the only FDA approved tool to identify patients at risk of sudden cardiac death.
• A physician will interpret the test results.