Tilt table test

Be sure to tell your doctor

• What your fainting is like: when, how often, and what comes before it
• All medicines, especially for blood pressure and the heart
• Heart disease
• If you are pregnant

How to prepare

• Food. Usually no food for 2 to 4 hours before the test. Check with the clinic.
• Medicines. Some medicines are sometimes skipped. Do not stop them on your own. Ask your doctor in advance.
• Someone with you. Better to come with someone. You may feel weak after the test.
• Clothing. Comfortable clothes, with no tight belt.

What to bring

• Your referral
• Past ECGs, Holter results, and echocardiograms
• A list of your medicines
• Someone to go home with

How it goes

1. You lie on the table and are secured with straps
2. ECG stickers and a blood pressure cuff are put on, sometimes an IV line too
3. First, you lie quietly for a few minutes
4. The table is slowly tilted almost upright
5. You stand still on the table while the doctor watches your blood pressure and pulse
6. Sometimes a medicine is given under the tongue and you are watched longer
7. If you feel unwell, the table is lowered right away

What you'll feel

• Standing still can be boring
• You may feel weak, sick, or sweaty, like before fainting. Tell the doctor
• Sometimes people faint. This is expected. The table is lowered, and you come round quickly

Afterwards

• Lie down and rest until you feel better
• Better not to drive on the test day
• The report is usually ready the same day