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Tilt test

Tilt table test
For patients experiencing fainting or dizziness, a controlled situation is created to provoke fainting and help determine its cause.

Appointments

Functiemetingen 2

Medical prescription required

This test always requires a prescription from your doctor. Bring this prescription with you on the day of the test.

Tilt table

A tilt table is used to simulate a situation where fainting occurs due to vasodepression.

  • Vasodepression is an imbalance in the autonomic innervation of the heart and blood vessels.
  • It typically occurs when standing up:
    • Sudden drop in blood pressure.
    • Slowing of the heart rate.
  • When blood pressure is too low, too little blood flows to the brain.
  • The brain reacts by causing the body to faint.

Preparation

You must fast

  • You may drink clear liquids, such as water, tea, or fruit juice without pulp, up to one hour beforehand.

  • Avoid other drinks and food from six hours beforehand.

Procedure

The tilt test lasts a maximum of 45 minutes but ends earlier if you faint.

  • Placement of an IV.
  • Attachment of electrodes (similar to an ECG).
  • Application of a blood pressure monitor.
  • You lie on a table.
  • A strap secures you to the table to prevent falls.
  • The table is tilted into a vertical position, transitioning from lying down to a semi-standing position.
  • During the tilting, your blood pressure and heart rate are measured.
  • These measurements help the doctor identify the causes of your fainting

The test is considered positive if you faint or feel like fainting and if changes in blood pressure and heart rate occur.

Tilt training

By repeating the tilt test for several consecutive days, a training effect can occur, counteracting the abnormal reflex of the autonomic nervous system.

This consecutive repetition of tilt tests is called tilt training.

Last edit: 25 january 2025