Test, tilt-table

Tilt-table testing involves placing the patient on a table with a foot-support.

The table is tilted upward and the blood pressure and pulse are measured and symptoms are recorded with the patient in diverse positions.

The tilt-table test is designed to detect postural hypotension (orthostatic hypotension), a condition that results from changing body position from a prone, supine or sitting position to a more vertical position.

Poor tone of the nerves of the legs can cause a disproportionate distribution of blood to the legs, instead of to the brain, so a person feels lightheaded and may even faint.

Tilt-table testing may be done when heart disease is not suspected of being responsible for an attack of syncope (fainting) or near-syncope.

Depending on the presence or absence of symptoms during the tilt-table test, persons with certain forms of temporary loss of consciousness may be admitted to the hospital for observation and further testing.