Marquette General Heart Institute

Tilt Table Testing

A Tilt Table Test is a safe way to bring on the symptoms of neurocardiogenic syncope.  It is done in the Heart Institute, by a doctor trained in the study and treatment of heart rhythms.

Why is a Tilt Test Needed?

When a person is sitting or standing, the blood vessels dilate (widen) and the blood pools in the lower legs.  This decreases the blood returning to the heart and head.  Normally the body responds to this with a slight increase in heart rate and constriction (tightening) of the blood vessels in the legs.  But in some people, nerves in the heart can cause an abnormal response.  The heart can slow down and the blood vessels dilate even more, causing the blood pressure to fall very low.  This can bring on symptoms such as:  dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or sweating.

The symptoms often occur after exercise, stress, fear, or prolonged standing.

PRIOR TO THE TEST:

In the Heart Institute, doctors and technicians will prepare you for this test and answer any questions you may have.  You will be awake during the test.  Here's what will happen:

An IV will be started in your wrist or forearm so that we can give medications or fluids during the test.

Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart.

A small catheter may be placed in an artery in your arm or groin to monitor your blood pressure.

You will be placed (secured with three straps) on to a special table that will slowly move from lying flat to almost standing upright.

DURING THE TEST:

Your heart rate and blood pressure will be checked while you are lying flat for about 15 - 20 minutes.

The head of the table will then be elevated to about 70 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes.

The doctors will ask you to let them know right away if you feel dizziness, palpitations, or any symptoms that you had before.

If the test does not bring on any symptoms, the doctor may give you medication to make your heart beat faster, as if you were exercising.  In this case, you may be tilted more than once during this test.

The tilt test will last about 60 - 90 minutes.  When it is finished, the blood pressure catheter will be removed.

AFTER THE TEST:

You will return to your room (or to a recovery area if you are an outpatient).  If you did not have a catheter inserted to monitor your blood pressure for the test, you will be sent home.

If you did have a blood pressure catheter, you will need to rest in bed for a brief recovery period.  Once the dressing for the catheter site is removed, any drainage, swelling or tenderness should be reported to the nurses.

The doctor will share with you the results of the tilt test and how they would like to treat your neurocardiogenic syncope.  They may recommend medications, which will be fully explained to you.

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