Definition of Test, tilt-table

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Test, tilt-table: Tilt-table testing involves placing the patient on a table with a foot-support. The table is tilted upward and the blood pressure and pulse are measured and symptoms are recorded with the patient in diverse positions.

The tilt-table test is designed to detect postural hypotension (orthostatic hypotension), a condition that results from changing body position from a prone, supine or sitting position to a more vertical position. Poor tone of the nerves of the legs can cause a disproportionate distribution of blood to the legs, instead of to the brain, so a person feels lightheaded and may even faint.

Tilt-table testing may be done when heart disease is not suspected of being responsible for an attack of syncope (fainting) or near-syncope. Depending on the presence or absence of 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.