HCM All Hearts Diagnostic Tools

A tilt table is used to find the cause(s) of unexplained fainting.

A tilt table test is used to find the cause of unexplained fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness. The test helps to identify whether the cause is related to blood pressure or heart rate.

When you switch from lying down to an upright position, your nervous system can suddenly lower your heart rate and blood pressure. When you sit or stand up from lying down, less blood travels to your brain and can cause you to faint. Fainting is also called syncope. A tilt table models this action to find the cause of your symptoms.

WHAT DO THE RESULTS MEAN?
The results of the test are dependent on whether you faint and what changes occur in your heart rate and blood pressure. If your blood pressure decreases and if you feel dizzy/faint during the test, the results are positive. This suggests that your fainting episodes are caused at least partly by your nervous system. If your heart rate increases slightly, your blood pressure does not drop, and you do not have symptoms of fainting, the results are negative. False negative results are common: some people do not respond to the tilting but do have nervous system problems, causing their fainting. Your doctor may order additional tests to rule out other causes of fainting.