Thursday, August 21, 2008
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TILT TABLE TEST
Your physician has recommended that you have a tilt table test to determine cause for fainting, also known as syncope. The results of this test assist the physician in managing your condition and preventing these episodes from recurring.
Preparation
· Do not eat or drink anything for 12 hours prior to the test in order to minimize the chance of nausea during the test.
· Take your medications as usual with sips of water unless directed otherwise.
Preparation
· You register as an outpatient and will be taken to the catheterization laboratory in the hospital.
· You will sign a consent form prior to the procedure.
· A heart monitor with ECG electrodes is connected to your chest, a blood pressure is applied to your arm and an oxygen monitoring device is placed on your finger.
· An intravenous (IV) line is started to provide access for fluids and medications during the test.
· Your electrocardiogram, blood pressure and oxygen levels are monitored very closely during the test.
· Safety straps are placed across your body to prevent you from falling as the table is tilted upright.
· The room is quit and darkened.
· The test begins with you flying flat on the tilt table for 20 minutes.
· The table tilts you upright at a 70 to 80 degree angle for 20 minutes or more. The change in position may precipitate the symptoms of fainting that you have experienced. If you faint, it usually means that you have a condition called vasovagal or neurogenic fainting, which is not life threatening.
· If you do not have any symptoms, the physician may administer a medication to increase your heart rate and cause you to feel as if your heart is “pounding”. Once the medication infusion has been stopped, any sensations resolve quickly.
Results
· The results of the upright tilt table test are interpreted by the cardiologist performing the test. Often you are informed of the results immediately following the test and recommendations for management.
· The referring physician receives a complete report of the test results.
· You will want to discuss the results of your test with your referring physician in more detail at your follow-up appointment.