How to Prepare for a Physical Examination
Before your physical examination, avoid eating for at least 2-3 hours, abstain from caffeine and smoking on the day of the test, and avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours to ensure accurate results. 1, 2
Before the Day of the Examination
- Avoid unusual physical efforts for at least 12 hours before testing, as recommended by the American Heart Association 1, 2
- Prepare a list of your current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements 3
- Document your medical history, including previous surgeries, chronic conditions, and family history of significant medical conditions 3
- For patients with suspected hypertension, avoid caffeine-containing beverages for at least 24 hours before the examination 3, 4
- If blood tests will be performed, avoid exercise for at least 24 hours before the test to prevent falsely elevated enzyme levels 1
The Day of the Examination
- Do not eat for 2-3 hours before the physical examination 2, 1
- Do not smoke for at least 8 hours before testing 2, 1
- Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear that allows for easy examination 2
- Take routine medications with small amounts of water unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider 1
- Arrive well-hydrated but avoid excessive fluid intake immediately before the examination 2
What to Bring to Your Physical Examination
- A list of all current medications including dosages 3
- Records of any previous significant test results or medical reports 3
- Your medical insurance information and identification 5
- A list of any symptoms or health concerns you wish to discuss 3, 5
- Names and contact information of your other healthcare providers 3
Special Considerations for Specific Tests
- For exercise stress testing, wear comfortable exercise clothing, preferably shorts, T-shirt, and athletic shoes 2
- For cardiovascular testing, some medications (especially β-blockers) may need to be held if the test is for diagnosing ischemia 1
- For orthostatic testing (like POTS evaluation), maintain a 3-hour fast and avoid caffeine, nicotine, and taurine-containing drinks on the day of examination 4
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Exercising too close to blood test time can lead to falsely elevated enzyme levels and misinterpretation of cardiac markers 1
- Consuming caffeine on the day of testing can affect blood pressure readings and heart rate measurements 2, 4
- Not disclosing all current medications may lead to inaccurate interpretation of test results 3
- Failing to follow fasting guidelines can affect blood glucose and lipid measurements 1, 2
- Not wearing appropriate clothing can make certain parts of the physical examination more difficult 2
By following these preparation guidelines, you can help ensure that your physical examination provides accurate results and allows your healthcare provider to make appropriate assessments of your health status.