Tilt table test
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Tilt table test | |
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MeSH | D018667 |
A tilt table test (TTT), occasionally called upright tilt testing (UTT), is a
The procedure tests for causes of syncope by attempting to cause syncope by having the patient lie flat on a special table or bed and then be monitored with ECG and a blood pressure monitor that measure continuous, beat to beat, non-invasively. The table then creates a change in posture from lying to standing.
Indications
TTT may be indicated when the initial evaluation for syncope fails to provide a definitive, highly probable, or potential diagnosis, but instead raises clinical suspicion of reflex syncope, orthostatic hypotension, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or psychogenic pseudosyncope. TTT can help further investigate these conditions and aid in establishing an accurate diagnosis.[1]
Preparations
Before taking the test, the patient may be instructed to
Procedure
A tilt table test can be done in different ways and be modified for individual circumstances. In some cases, the patient will be strapped to a tilt table lying flat and then tilted or suspended completely or almost completely upright (as if standing). Most of the time, the patient is suspended at an angle of 60 to 80
Diagnostic symptoms
A tilt table test is considered positive if the patient experiences symptoms associated with a drop in blood pressure or
A common side effect during tilt table testing is a feeling of heaviness and warmth in the lower extremities. This is due to blood pooling in the legs and, to onlookers, the patient's lower extremities may appear blotchy, pink, or red.
Dizziness or lightheadedness are also likely to occur in susceptible patients. Tilt table testing could provoke fainting or syncope. It is the purpose of the test to provoke these symptoms, in order to aid in diagnosis.
A drop in blood pressure during the tilt table test is indicative of orthostatic hypotension. A marked increase in heart rate in the absence of orthostatic hypotension is indicative of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.[6]
See also
References
- PMID 37839043.
- ^ ISBN 978-1437727883.
- ^ Mustafa Ahmed, M.D. (13 February 2015). "Tilt Test – Tilt Table Test Explained!". Abel Healthcare. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
- ^ Richard N. Fogoros, M.D. (17 December 2014). "Tilt Table Testing". About Health. Archived from the original on 14 August 2007. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
- ^ "Tilt Table Testing". University of Michigan. 2006. Archived from the original on 15 June 2007. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
- S2CID 11628648.
External links
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