The tilt table test is an exam to observe the variations in heart rate and blood pressure from beat to beat, in relation to changes in inclination, which allows determining the possible causes of a loss of consciousness (syncope) and system disorders autonomic nervous.
To carry out this test, a special (tilting) table is used on which the patient lies down, intravenous infusion is established with glucose solution and is held by means of safety straps on the chest, arms and legs. This table allows moving from a horizontal to a vertical position between 60 to 80 degrees, without any effort for the patient, where it remains for 20 to 30 minutes with continuous monitoring, during which time the doctor must be informed if symptoms such as fatigue occur. , dizziness, shortness of breath, paleness, sweating and even syncope.
If at the end of this phase, there were no clinical symptoms or alterations in blood pressure or heart rate, the patient returns to the initial position and a second phase begins, which will last 15 minutes, after administering a drug in spray or tablet under the tongue, which induces a stress situation waiting for its hemodynamic and neurocardiogenic response when performing the procedure again.
If the patient presents significant alterations in blood pressure, heart rate, lightheadedness, relaxation of the sphincters or syncope, before the end of the phase, the tilting table immediately returns to its initial position and the recovery process begins. Otherwise, the test continues until it is complete. The tilt table returns to its starting position, vital signs are monitored, and the exam is complete.
- Arrive 15 minutes before the assigned appointment time.
- You must have at least 2 hours.
- Submit an identification document (Civil Registry, Identity Card, Citizenship Card, Immigration Certificate or Passport), health entity card, medical order and/or authorization.
- Submit: medical history, current medication formula and previously performed tests.
- Bring the money corresponding to the value of the moderating fee or the value of the particular appointment, as appropriate.
- You must attend with a companion.
- Inform your doctor of the presence of a pacemaker.
- Tell your doctor what medication you currently have.
- If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be, you should tell your doctor.
- Wear comfortable clothing. (do not wear girdles, elastic stockings, among others)
- You should not use creams, powders, oils, colognes, on the arms or the chest area as this can interfere with the measurement.
- Do not consume caffeine, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages or smoke 12 hours prior to the exam.
- Requires a minimum fast of 4 hours.
- Do not take anti-flu, anti-allergy or antidepressants 48 hours prior to the exam.
- Attend with a responsible adult.
- Syncope with severe left ventricular outflow obstruction (eg, aortic stenosis).
- Syncope in the presence of severe mitral stenosis.
- Syncope in a patient with known critical proximal coronary artery disease.
- Syncope in a patient with known critical cerebrovascular disease.
- Planned episodes of syncope (fainting).
- Dizziness or headaches.
- Hypotension (low blood pressure) or hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Nausea.
- Palpitations and/or change in heart rate.
- In sensitive skins when removing the bracelet irritation may appear.
- It is normal to feel pressure, itching, numbness and/or redness on the arm where the cuff is installed.
- Skin irritation in the areas where the electrodes are placed.
- Bruising at the puncture site and an allergic reaction to the contrast medium may appear.