If you have experienced fainting spells recently or have shown other potential symptoms of a cardiac arrhythmia, then there is a good possibility that your doctor may recommend performing a tilt table test. The test is most commonly used in patients who have experienced some form of syncope, or fainting spell, but can be recommended to patients even if they have not yet experienced a loss of consciousness episode but who are concerned about dizziness or lightheadedness with no apparent cause.

Before the Tilt Table Test
Tilt table tests generally require no preparation on the patient’s part, though you will likely be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours prior. You may continue taking medications as directed unless your physician instructs you otherwise.

During the Tilt Table Test
Before the test begins, a technician will place a series of electrodes at various locations on your body. These patches are connected to an electrocardiogram machine (ECG) through wires and are used to monitor your heart rate throughout the procedure. You’ll also have a blood pressure cuff placed around your arm so that your blood pressure can be closely monitored for any changes. Lastly, some people may be hooked up to an IV prior to or during the test, which can quickly administer medications during the procedure if needed.

• At the start of the test, you will lie down on a table, placing your feet onto foot rests at one end and allowing your body to be strapped down by a series of safety straps. These straps are for your protection, and will ensure that you don’t slide off the table as it moves into a vertical position later during the procedure. It is essential that you remain as still as possible throughout the test.
• Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored as you lie flat for approximately five minutes.
• Next, the table will rotate until you are in a head-up vertical position, typically between a 60 and 90 degree angle to the floor.
• From this position, your heart rate and blood pressure will continue to be monitored. Depending on the results, you will remain in this position for at least five minutes and as many as forty-five minutes. If you faint at any time during the test, you will be moved back to a horizontal position immediately and closely monitored.
• If, after forty-five minutes in the vertical position you have not lost consciousness or experienced other symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia, then you may be administered a medication through your IV that induces similar effects by lowering your blood pressure manually.
• If syncope has been induced by medication, your heart rate and blood pressure will continue to be monitored for about fifteen additional minutes.

After the Tilt Table Test
After the test is complete, you may immediately return to your normal activities. Your physician will discuss the results of your test with you, which will likely depend on whether or not you lost consciousness and on the readings of your blood pressure and heart rate. If the test was inconclusive, then additional testing may be required to help determine the cause of your fainting spells.

To schedule an appointment with an experienced cardiologist in the Tampa area for diagnostic testing, or to discuss treatment options for a condition that has already been diagnosed, contact Tampa Cardiovascular Associates today by calling (813) 975-2800.