Tilt Table Test

Once in the exam room, our medical assistant will use gel to place small plastic pads on your chest that connect to the electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor to measure the electrical signals from your heart. For men, we may need to shave small areas to remove chest hair to ensure the pads stick. We will also take a baseline blood pressure reading.

You may have an intravenous (IV) line put in a vein in your arm to receive nitroglycerin medication, which will stimulate your normal stress response. We will tilt the table you are lying on during the test to simulate you changing positions from sitting to standing. This motion allows doctors to measure any blood pressure and heart rate changes and monitor your blood flow.

The tilt table test may bring on the symptoms of your past fainting spells. For your safety, as we change the position of the table, you also will have a strap across your chest and legs. The test will take about 45 minutes.

Throughout the test, you can talk to the doctor or nurse and let them know how you are feeling. We also will monitor you for a short time after the test to avoid any side effects.

The complete process for the tilt table test will take about two hours.

• Arrange to have someone drive you home. You cannot drive yourself home after this test.
• Avoid food or drink eight hours before your appointment.
• Bring or wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes. Avoid heels or sandals. Avoid wearing a dress, full slip or tight jeans. Wear pants or shorts and a loose-fitting top.
• Bring a list of your current medications or bring your medications in their bottles.
• Take any medications with sips of water unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.