Tilt Table Procedure

What to Expect

During the Procedure

• Description of the room, monitoring devices, positions, and equipment that will be used - A special bed or table is used for the procedure. You will lie flat on the bed initially, then you will be raised to an almost standing angle while on the bed. Straps will be placed across your chest and legs to keep you from falling if you faint during the procedure. An IV line will be placed in your hand or arm. EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest and attached to an EKG machine with wire leads. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and will be attached to an automatic blood pressure monitoring machine.
  
  
• Anesthesia - None required.
  
  
• Basic description of the procedure:
  
  
  1. The technician will ask you to remove your shirt or blouse, and will ensure your privacy by covering you with a sheet or gown and exposing only the necessary skin.
     
     
  2. You will lie down on a special bed or table.
     
     
  3. An intravenous (IV) line will be started in your hand or arm.
     
     
  4. EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest and attached to an EKG machine with lead wires.
     
     
  5. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and attached to a blood pressure monitoring machine.
     
     
  6. When all of the equipment is connected, the test will begin with you lying flat. Straps will be placed across your chest and legs for safety.
     
     
  7. The bed will be tilted upward so that you are almost upright.
     
     
  8. You will remain upright to determine if symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, a low heart rate, and/or a low blood pressure occur.
     
     
  9. If no symptoms occur, you may be given a medication in your IV to speed up your heart rate. This will be given while you are lying flat again.
     
     
  10. After the medication is given (if needed), you will again be tilted upright.
      
      
  11. If symptoms occur, the test is considered positive for vasovagal syndrome.
      
      
  12. You will be lowered to a flat position and allowed to rest for a while. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored.
      
      
  13. When you are stable, the IV line, blood pressure cuff, and EKG electrodes will be removed.
      
      
  14. You will be allowed to dress and leave, unless your physician instructs you differently.
      
      
• Procedure time - The entire procedure takes approximately one hour. However, events such as schedule delays, emergencies, and other factors may delay the start of your procedure, or prolong the length of it.

After the Procedure

• Recovery - There is normally no recovery necessary after this procedure.
  
  
• Length of stay - No hospital stay is necessary, unless your physician determines that your condition requires further observation or hospital admission.
  
  
• Recuperation time - You may feel tired for several hours or longer after the procedure. Otherwise, you should feel normal within a few hours after the procedure, if not sooner.
  
  
• Outcome - Depending on the results of the tilt table test, additional tests or procedures may be scheduled for further diagnostic information.

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