Tilt-table
Test
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What is the
Tilt-table Test? If you have been experiencing fainting or near
fainting spells, also called syncope, this test can aide your physician in
trying to determine the cause of these events. Sometimes a change in
position, for example going from a sitting to a standing position, causes
individuals to become faint or actually to pass out. The tilt-table is a
test designed to see how your heart and circulatory systems will respond
to a change in position. The results will aid your physician in
determining a possible cause for your symptoms. |
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What
does the Tilt-table Test show? This
test is designed to bring on syncope (fainting spell) under a controlled
environment. This can happen when an individual
is raised from the lying position to the standing position. When someone
is raised from the lying position to the upright position, blood will begin to
pool in the your legs. This causes less blood to return to your heart, which
causes less blood to be pumped from your heart, which causes your blood pressure
to drop.
In
a normal situation,
nerves that are responsible for controlling heart rate and blood pressure would
maintain blood pressure by increasing heart rate and tightening the blood
vessels.
In
an abnormal situation,
the nerves that control blood pressure and heart rate do not respond properly
causing a decrease in blood pressure and cause someone to faint. Once the person
is returned to the lying position and normal blood flow begins, he or she will
regain consciousness.
What
happens during the test?
When you arrive at the hospital and the room in which the test will take place,
you will be given a hospital gown to wear. This will allow the individuals
assisting the doctor the opportunity to place electrodes on your chest so they
can monitor your heart rate and rhythm throughout the entire test time. You will
also have an IV line started and a blood pressure cuff placed on either arm.
During
the test you will be instructed to lay down on a special table called a
tilt-table. After a preliminary heart rate and blood pressure are recorded, the
doctor will raise the table to the almost standing position. A special strap
will be placed around your waist to help hold you in this position as well as a
foot rest. You will remain in this position from 20 to 30 minutes. If the test
is negative (meaning you do not faint), the doctor may give you medicine in your
IV line or place a nitroglycerine tablet under your tongue. The medications are
given to determine if they can cause you to faint. If the medication does not
cause you to faint, the table will be lowered to the laying flat position. The
test is now over. If at any time during the test you do faint (a positive test),
the table will immediately be lowered to the flat position and the appropriate
measures taken to help you regain consciousness.
Are
there any pre-test instructions? Yes
there are. Please do not eat 4 – 6 hours prior to your scheduled test time.
Make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the hospital. Check
with YOUR DOCTOR to determine if there are any medications that he or she
does not want you to take. Bring a list of ALL
your medications.
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