Procedure

What is a Tilt Table Test?

A tilt test may be advised for some people who have had recurrent syncope. This test shows how your heart rate and blood pressure respond to a change in position from lying down to standing up.

• You will be asked to lie flat on the test table
• An intravenous cannula (a small plastic tube in a vein) will be inserted in your arm in case medications need to be given during the test
• A blood pressure cuff and ECG monitoring will be applied
• The table is then tilted to 60 degrees to simulate a change in position from lying to standing
• Medication may be given under your tongue if necessary
• If you fell unwell during the test, please tell the doctor immediately 

Risks

This is a commonly performed test to investigate causes of recurrent syncope. Most people undergoing this test do not experience any complications. However, the possible risks include:

• Fainting
• Low blood pressure
• Chest Pain
• Death (extremely rare)
• Glyceryl trinitrate may be administered to improve the yield of this test. If the doctor should administer this medication during the test, its side effects include:
  • Headache
  • Facial flushing
  • Sweating
  • Palpitations
  • Low blood pressure