The Tilt Table Test is used to help diagnose the cause of unexplained fainting (syncope). During a Tilt Table Test , the patient lies on a table that moves from a horizontal to a vertical position. The heart rate and blood pressure are monitored throughout the Tilt Table Test . The test is designed to try to reproduce the symptoms of a fainting episode in a controlled manner. This allows the doctor to evaluate the body’s cardiovascular response to the change in position.
The results of a Tilt Table Test are based on whether or not the patient faints during the test and what happens to the blood pressure and heart rate. Depending on the results, the cardiologist may recommend additional tests to exclude other causes of fainting or specific treatment for the symptoms.