Tilt-Table Test

You will have small patches or pads attached to your skin. These are sensors that monitor your heart. You will also have a blood pressure cuff on your arm. 

During the test, you will lie flat on a table that can tilt you up to almost a standing position. You will be strapped securely to the table. You’ll start by lying flat on your back on the motorized table for about five minutes.

Your heart rate and blood pressure are checked regularly as the table is tilted up.

You’ll be moved to a nearly vertical position, where you’ll remain from five to 45 minutes, depending on the reason for the test. While vertical, you’ll be asked to remain as still as possible but to report signs and symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sweating, lightheadedness or abnormal heartbeat (palpitations).

If you don’t faint or have other symptoms after 45 minutes, you might receive the medication isosorbid, under your tongue, to speed up your heart rate. The medication might prompt the abnormal nervous system reflex that causes you to faint. Then you will be checked for symptoms again.

You then remain in the upright position for another 15 to 20 minutes.

If you faint during the test, the table will be returned to a flat position. You will be checked closely and taken care of right away by your medical team. Most people wake up right away.

In some cases, if blood pressure and heart rate changes indicate you are about to faint, the table is returned to a horizontal position so that you don’t lose consciousness.

Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored in each position to evaluate your body’s cardiovascular response to the change in position.

When the test is complete, you can return to your normal activities.