Tilt table test
Tilt Table Test
The tilt table test is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the cause of unexplained syncope (fainting) and dysautonomia symptoms. It is particularly useful in diagnosing vasovagal syncope, a common cause of fainting due to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The tilt table test involves placing the patient on a motorized table that can be tilted to different angles. The test typically begins with the patient lying flat on their back. The table is then tilted to a vertical position, usually between 60 to 80 degrees, while the patient's heart rate and blood pressure are continuously monitored.
The test aims to provoke symptoms of syncope by simulating the effects of standing up quickly. If the patient experiences symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, the test is considered positive, indicating a possible diagnosis of vasovagal syncope or another form of dysautonomia.
Indications[edit | edit source]
The tilt table test is indicated for patients who experience recurrent episodes of syncope or near-syncope without a clear cause. It is also used to evaluate patients with suspected orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure falls significantly upon standing.
Interpretation[edit | edit source]
A positive tilt table test is characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure and/or heart rate, accompanied by symptoms of syncope. The results help differentiate between different types of syncope, such as vasovagal syncope, orthostatic hypotension, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
Risks and Considerations[edit | edit source]
While the tilt table test is generally safe, it may cause discomfort or anxiety in some patients. Rarely, it can provoke prolonged syncope or arrhythmias. Patients are monitored closely throughout the procedure to manage any adverse effects promptly.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
