Tilt table test
Are you considering a Tilt Table Test? You’ve come to the right place. Dr. Tamkeen Kinah, your trusted Consultant Cardiologist specializing in Clinical and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, is here to guide you through the intricacies of this essential diagnostic procedure.
What is a Tilt Table Test?
The tilt table test also commonly known as a “head-upright tilt test” or “passive head-up tilt test” is a test used by healthcare providers to diagnose fainting episodes in patients. When the table you’re lying on tilts at different angles, it tracks your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and heart rate on a beat-by-beat basis.
The table is always upright. The tilt table test demonstrates how your body reacts to standing up after lying down. It does so safely, with fabric restraints that prevent you from falling if your blood pressure dips. Healthcare providers monitor your vital signs when the table tilts at different degrees. This allows them to determine why you fainted. Here’s what you need to know:
Tilt table test procedure: During a tilt table test, you’ll lie flat on a table that can be raised to an upright position. Straps are used to secure you in place. You’ll be closely monitored as the table is tilted to simulate changes from horizontal to vertical positions.
Tilt Test Objective: This test primarily focuses on diagnosing conditions like vasovagal syncope (fainting) and unexplained loss of consciousness.
Tilt Table Test Cost: The cost of a Tilt Table Test in Dubai typically ranges from AED 2000 to AED 3,000, depending on the healthcare facility and the specific services included. Dr. Tamkeen’s office can provide you with accurate pricing details for this essential cardiac assessment.
What Does a Tilt Table Test Show?
The tilt table test provides crucial insights into your cardiovascular health and can reveal:
- Vasovagal Syncope: This test helps determine if fainting spells are due to a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate when changing position.
- Autonomic Dysfunction: It can identify issues with your autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate and blood pressure regulation.
Why is a Tilt Table Test Performed?
A tilt table test is recommended when patients experience:
- Unexplained Fainting: If you’ve had recurrent fainting episodes with no apparent cause, this test can help pinpoint the underlying issue.
- Suspected Autonomic Dysfunction: When symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and rapid heart rate occur on change in position indicative of autonomic dysfunction.
What to Expect from a tilt test procedure - Before, During, After
Before the tilt test procedure:
- Typically, you’ll be asked not to eat or drink for a six hours before the test. The doctor may recommend discontinuing certain medications before the test.
- You lie flat on a footboard-equipped table, and wraps straps over you to keep you in place.
- Sticky patches (electrodes) are applied to your chest. The wires connect the electrodes to an electrocardiogram machine, which monitors your heart rate.
- To check your blood pressure during the test, a blood pressure monitor or cuff is placed on your arm
- If necessary, the doctor will insert an IV line into a vein in your arm to deliver medications.
During the tilt test procedure:
- For roughly 5 minutes, you lie flat on your back on the motorized table.
- You are then transferred to a virtually vertical position, where you will remain for upto30 minutes, depending on the purpose of the exam. Stay as calm as possible in this posture and report any symptoms such as nausea, sweating, lightheadedness, or irregular heartbeats.
After the tilt test procedure:
- You might feel some dizziness or lightheadedness after the test, so it’s essential to take it easy for a while.
- If you faint while standing up, the table will be promptly restored to a horizontal position, and you will be monitored. The vast majority of patients regain consciousness fairly immediately.
- When the exam is finished, you can resume your normal activities.
Tilt Table Test Results and What Do They Mean
The results of a tilt table test can fall into two categories:
- Positive: If you experience symptoms with loss of consciousness during the test, it suggests that the test has successfully reproduced your problem, helping to diagnose and guide treatment.
- Negative: If no symptoms occur during the test and there is no loss of consciousness it does not necessarily rule out your condition, as it may be intermittent. Further evaluation may be required.