Tilt Table Test

The tilt table test is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate patients experiencing unexplained episodes of syncope (fainting). This non-invasive test assesses the patient’s symptoms and cardiovascular responses while changing the patient’s position from lying down to an upright posture.

Purpose.

The tilt table test simulates conditions under which a patient may experience syncope (fainting). This procedure allows for the assessment of the patient’s physiological responses to changes in body position, particularly monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and other hemodynamic parameters. The test is especially useful for diagnosing orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon position change), cardiac arrhythmias, and other vascular or neurological disorders that may cause syncope.

Indications:

The tilt table test is performed when common causes of syncope have been ruled out by other diagnostic methods. These methods typically include:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI);
• Electrocardiography (ECG);
• Holter monitoring;
• Echocardiography;
• Electroencephalography (EEG).

The procedure.

During the procedure, the patient is positioned on a tilt table, which is gradually inclined from a horizontal to a vertical position. Throughout this process, vital parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG readings are continuously monitored to assess hemodynamic changes in response to the change in body position. The test helps evaluate the patient’s cardiovascular system ability to adapt to positional shifts.

Preparation for the examination.

Patients scheduled for the tilt table test are advised to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.