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Tilt Testing

The Tilt Table Test is used to determine a cause of syncope (fainting). The test helps your physician evaluate yourbody’s cardiovascular response to the stress of standing upright for a prolonged period of time. During the test, your heart rate, your blood pressure and your symptoms will be monitored. 

There are many causes of syncope, and several causes are related to the heart. The Tilt Table Test helps your physician identify any cardiovascular causes of fainting and determine the best treatment and follow up care.

What happens before the test?


On the day of the test, you should not have anything to eat or drink for two hours beforehand.  Also, you should refrain from taking any medications that affect your heart or your blood pressure on the day of the test unless your physician instructs you otherwise.   
 

What will I experience during the test?
 

When you arrive for your test, you will be asked to lie down on a special examining table with safety belts and a footrest. An intravenous line (IV) is inserted into one of your arms and a blood pressure cuff is attached to your other arm. You will also have a small cuff put around one of your fingers to monitor your blood pressure continuously. You will have electrodes (sticky patches) attached you to monitor your heart rate and rhythm during the test. For your safety, you are strapped onto the tilt table.  The table is then tilted upright (almost standing up) for 30 - 45 minutes. You will be asked to describe any symptoms you may be experiencing during the test.
 
After 30 - 45 minutes, if you have not fainted, your physician will give you medicine to “stress” your body and make you more likely to faint. The tilt test will continue for another 10 minutes while your heart rate and blood pressure continue to be monitored.  

Typical symptoms of syncope (fainting) include

  • Nausea
  • Sweatiness
  • Pallor
  • Lightheadedness
  • Palpitations (sense of your heart beating)
  • Near-fainting
  • Fainting

If the test causes you to faint, the test is stopped, and the table is returned to a flat (horizontal) position. You will continue to be monitored closely during recovery. Recovery usually only takes a few minutes. 

What should I expect after the test?

After the test, you may feel tired or groggy.  It would be best to have someone drive you home.  You may return to work, or you may prefer to rest.   
 

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