Tilt Table Testing

Tilt table testing can be performed to determine if fainting (syncope) is caused by impaired cardiovascular regulation.

What can I expect in the examination and what should I bear in mind?

ECG and blood pressure are continuously monitored during a 30 - 45 minute standing stress test carried out on a special table to trigger a fainting fit. Sometimes medicines are also administered. The tilt table test is recommended for recurrent spells of fainting.

The tilt table test is carried out with a special new monitor (Task Force Monitor) that continuously records blood pressure as well as cardiac performance and the autonomic response of the patient. This makes it easier to classify the syncope.

With conventional methods of diagnosis, the cause of over 40% of fainting cases is unexplained, resulting in a great deal of uncertainty for patients and their families.