An overview of Tilt Table Test
A tilt table test is a medical procedure used to evaluate the cause of unexplained fainting or recurrent episodes of lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. During the test, a patient lies on a motorized table that can be tilted to an upright position while heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs are closely monitored. The purpose of the test is to determine if the fainting episodes are related to heart rate or blood pressure changes. The test is generally considered safe but may carry some risks, such as weakness, continued low blood pressure, or dizziness. Patients may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before the test and may have electrodes placed on their chest, legs, and arms to monitor the heart rate. The results of the test are based on whether the patient faints during the test and how their blood pressure and heart rate respond to the change in position. Depending on the results, further tests may be recommended to rule out other causes of fainting.
What is Tilt Table Test used for?
A tilt table test is used to evaluate the cause of unexplained fainting. A health care provider might recommend a tilt table test to evaluate repeated, unexplained episodes of lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. The test can help determine if the cause is related to heart rate or blood pressure. During the test, the patient lies on a motorized table that tilts to an upright position while heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. This allows the healthcare provider to assess the body's response to changes in position and determine if fainting occurs due to a reflex that reduces blood flow to the brain.
How to prepare for Tilt Table Test?
Before a tilt table test, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for two hours or more, depending on your health care provider's instructions. You can usually continue taking your medications as prescribed, unless told otherwise. Your health care provider will also place electrodes on your chest, legs, and arms to monitor your heart rate, and may place a blood pressure monitor or cuff on your finger, arm, or both. In some cases, an IV line may be inserted for administering drugs during the test.
How is Tilt Table Test conducted?
A tilt table test is conducted by having the patient lie flat on a table with a footboard and being secured with straps. Electrodes are placed on the chest, legs, and arms to monitor heart rate, and a blood pressure monitor or cuff is applied to check blood pressure. The patient remains in the upright position for a set period, typically 5 to 45 minutes, while heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. If no symptoms occur after 45 minutes, the patient might receive the drug isoproterenol through an IV line to trigger a fainting reflex. The test is conducted to evaluate the cause of unexplained fainting or episodes of lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
How are Tilt Table Test results reported?
Tilt table test results are reported based on whether you faint during the test and what happens to your blood pressure and heart rate. The results can be positive or negative.
Positive result: If your blood pressure decreases during the test, causing dizziness or fainting, it is considered a positive result.
Negative result: If your heart rate increases only slightly, blood pressure doesn't drop significantly, and there are no signs or symptoms of fainting, it is considered a negative result.
Depending on the results, your care provider might recommend more tests to rule out other causes of fainting.
Understanding the report
Tilt table test results are interpreted based on the changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and any symptoms experienced during the test. Positive result: If the test subject experiences fainting, dizziness, or a significant decrease in blood pressure during the test, it is considered a positive result. This indicates that the cause of fainting may be related to a reflex that occurs when moving from a lying down to an upright position. Negative result: If the test subject's heart rate increases only slightly, blood pressure does not drop significantly, and there are no signs or symptoms of fainting, it is considered a negative result. This suggests that the cause of fainting may be unrelated to the reflex associated with changing positions. Further testing may be recommended based on the results to rule out other potential causes of fainting.