Tilt-table Test (cont.)
Why is the tilt-table test done?
The tilt-table test is designed to detect one of the most common causes of
fainting or lightheadedness, a
phenomenon known as postural hypotension (orthostatic hypotension). Tilt-table
testing may be done when heart disease is not suspected of being responsible for
an attack of fainting (syncope) or
near-syncope.
What is postural hypotension (orthostatic hypotension)?
Postural hypotension is a common cause of an episode of temporary loss of
consciousness or feelings of lightheadedness. Postural hypotension results from
changing body position from a prone, supine, or sitting position to a more
vertical position. Normally, blood tends to pool in the legs due to gravity when
a person stands up, potentially reducing the amount of blood available to return
to the heart. Nerves to the
blood vessels in the legs normally act to compensate for this pooling by
constricting, thus sending blood away from the leg veins and
toward the heart. However, poor tone of the nerves to blood vessels in the legs
can cause this mechanism to fail, resulting in a disproportionate distribution
of blood to the legs, instead of returning to the circulation, so the brain
receives less oxygen. As a result, a person feels lightheaded and may even
faint.
What happens after the tilt-table test?
Depending on the presence or absence of signs and symptoms during the
tilt-table test, persons with certain forms of temporary loss of consciousness
may be admitted to the hospital for observation and further testing. The
tilt-table test is also performed on stabilized patients who are in the hospital
for evaluation of the cause of temporary loss of consciousness.
Next: Does the tilt-table test hurt? »
- Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause.
- Fainting (Syncope) - Fainting or syncope can be caused by deydration, medications, diabetes, pregnancy, anemia, heart conditions, age, and more. Diagnosis and treatment information is included in the information.
- Dizziness - Read about the causes of dizziness including low blood pressure, anemia, dehydration, vertigo, medications, alcohol use, and pregnancy. Diagnosis and treatment information is also included.
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