Tilt Table Testing

Tilt Table Testing is an evaluation for the tendency to pass out under certain conditions. People who are especially prone to passing out may suffer from neurocardiogenic syncope. This syndrome is an abnormal exaggeration of a normal reflex and can cause a person’s heart rate and/or blood pressure to drop suddenly. It can often be treated with medicines but may rarely require the addition of a pacemaker. During a Tilt Table Test, the person is placed on a flat table with safety support straps and then stood at approximately an 80-degree angle observed with continuous EKG monitoring for 20 – 40 minutes. Occasionally, IV medicines will be used to further stimulate this reflex. An IV heparin lock will routinely be started for the administration of medicines if necessary.