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Upright Tilt Table Test

About the Test
Receptors in the heart help control blood pressure and heart rate. Sometimes these receptors are triggered at the wrong time. This can prevent the heart from beating quickly and powerfully enough to supply the proper amount of blood to the brain. The decreased blood supply can make you feel lightheaded, dizzy or sweaty. You may even faint. This feeling of "passing out" or "fainting" is called syncope. A tilt table test helps your doctor to find out why you are fainting and how to treat you.

Before the Test

Schedule your Test
Have your doctor fax to the Electrophysiology (EP) Lab, (312) 926-0607, an order for the tilt table test with:

  • Your name
  • Contact phone number
  • The diagnosis
  • ICD-9 Code

Once the order is received, we will contact you by phone to schedule the test date and time. The tilt table tests are scheduled Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.

You may also need to pre-register with the Patient Access Unit (PAC), (312) 926-2950. You will be asked to provide/update your insurance information with the PAC Unit.

The tilt table test takes place in the Electrophysiology (EP) Laboratory. If you need to change or cancel your test, please call (312) 926-4753 as soon as possible.

Preparing for the Test
At home:

  • Do not eat or drink anything for six hours before the test.
  • Take your usual medications with small sips of water (unless told otherwise).
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes to the test (no high heels).

Day of the Test

Arriving at the Hospital
Check in at the Electrophysiology Lab reception desk (Feinberg Pavilion, 251 E. Huron St., 8th Floor). Parking is available .

During the Test

At the hospital you will:

  • Wear a patient gown for the test (underwear may be left on)
  • Have an IV (into the vein) line started in your arm
  • Have your blood pressure and heart rate monitored

You will lie on a table that has a pillow and a safety strap. It will be raised from a flat position to a standing position (upright).You will be upright for 40 to 60 minutes. If you feel dizzy or faint, your blood pressure and heart rhythm will be recorded. The table will be returned to the flat position and the test will be over.

If dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting are noted during the test, you may be started on oral medication. The test may be repeated in about one to two weeks to see if the medicine is working.

After the Test

The IV line and cardiac monitor will be removed. You will be able to resume your normal activity and diet.

Contact
If you have any questions please contact the Electrophysiology (EP) Lab at (312) 926-9020 or (312) 926-2933.

Developed and Reviewed by
Electrophysiology Nursing Staff

Review Date
11/04