Upright Tilt Table Test

Where do I register?

You also may call 706.774.2125 to pre-register if you prefer. Please report to registration on the Heart & Vascular Institute's first floor at your scheduled check-in time.

Where do I park?

Patients and visitors can park in the Heart & Vascular Institute's dedicated flat parking lot off St. Sebastian Way. If you need wheelchair assistance, please park in the main hospital parking deck.

What is the test?

An Upright Tilt Table test is designed for people who have unexplained passing out or near passing out episodes. Sometimes these episodes are due to a response in the brain that causes an increase or decrease in heart rate and/or a drop in blood pressure while in an upright position. An Upright Tilt Table Test tries to recreate the passing out symptoms in a safe setting with a physician and nurses present.

You will have an IV inserted in your hand or arm prior to the test. You will be placed on a specially designed table, and your heart and blood pressure will be monitored by machine. With the physician present, the table will be tilted to an upright position. At no time during the test will you be tilted upside down, nor will the table spin around.

If you do not have any symptoms in the first stage of the test, you may be given a medication in your IV called Isuprel, which increases the heart rate similar to your natural adrenaline. You will be asked frequently during the test how you are feeling. If you begin to feel dizzy or like you are going to pass out, safety straps on the table will prevent you from falling.

Test Preparation

Do not eat or drink anything past midnight the night before your test. If you are having your test in the afternoon, your physician may allow you to have a clear liquid breakfast by 7 a.m. with nothing afterwards. Your physician will inform you which of your home medications you should take prior to this test. If you are diabetic, please consult your physician about taking insulin or other medications to control your blood sugar.

Special Considerations

In the event that you do experience a passing out episode during the test, you should have someone with you who can drive you home.

For additional information or if you are unable to keep your appointment, please call 706.774.2201. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5.p.m. You may also call after-hours and leave a message.

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