|
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.
DEFINITIONS:
| Arterial
Line |
Special
IV in an artery to measure blood pressure |
| Catheter
|
Small
plastic tube used to access blood vessels |
| H.U.T.
|
Head
up tilt table test |
| Neurocardiogenic
Syncope |
Abnormal
condition which results in unexplained passing out |
| Tilt
Table |
Movable
table used for tilt table tests |
| Isuprel
|
Medication
used to simulate exercise |
| Heart
rate |
Number
of times the heart beats per minute |
| Dilate
|
Widening
of blood vessels |
| Palpitations
|
Sensation
of skipped heart beats |
|