Diagnose Unexplained Fainting with a Tilt Table Test in Las Vegas, NV
A tilt table test (also called a tilt test, table test, or tilt table study) looks at how your blood vessels and heart react to changes in body position. Moving rapidly to an upright position so that your heart is higher than the rest of your body momentarily speeds up your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure. This is normal as your body tries to maintain its normal blood pressure.
If you’re concerned about unexplained or frequent fainting, take our quick heart health assessment. The cardiac care experts at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals commonly perform diagnostic procedures such as tilt table tests in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV. Find a cardiologist associated with St. Rose Dominican online or call (702) 616-4900.
Why a Tilt Table Study is Performed
Your doctor may order a tilt table test if you’ve had dizziness, lightheadedness, near fainting, or
unexplained fainting. The medical term for fainting is syncope (SING-kuh-pee).
A tilt test can trigger symptoms and show if syncope is due to blood pressure or heart rate control problems. Either issue could cause you to feel lightheaded because not enough oxygen-rich blood is getting to your brain.
What to Expect During a Tilt Table Test
A technician, nurse, or doctor will perform your tilt table test in a Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospital or clinic. Electrodes will be attached to your chest, legs, and arms painlessly. You’ll also have an IV (intravenous) line for medicines and a blood pressure cuff on your arm.
First, you will lie horizontally on the tilt table. The provider will secure you with straps. After about 15 minutes, the table will quickly tilt to an almost standing position. Your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored during this time and for up to 45 minutes afterwards. You’ll need to remain still and tell your health care provider if you have any symptoms.
If you don’t experience symptoms, you may get an IV medicine — isoproterenol (Isuprel) — to speed up your heart rate. The test is repeated. Afterwards, the table will return to a flat position. You will rest while the team monitors you for up to 30 minutes.
Complications and risks include headache, fainting, heart palpitations, nausea, dizziness, and low blood pressure. These symptoms usually go away with rest.
Understanding Your Tilt Table Test Results from Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican Hospitals
You may get the results right after the test. They will be either positive or negative:
- A positive result means your heart rate was slow or your blood pressure fell during the test and you felt dizzy or faint
- A negative result means you had no symptoms and your blood pressure did not fall during the test
For positive results, your doctor may recommend more tests.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican offers cardiology services, including tilt table tests, in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.