Cardiology - Head Up Tilt Test

What is a head up tilt test?

A head up tilt test is a specialist test designed to look at the type of symptoms you have experienced and have reported to your consultant at the hospital.

Why do I need a head up tilt test?

If you are having dizzy spells or are blacking out, your doctor may send you for a tilt test to see if your symptoms are related to a change in your blood pressure or heart rate.

What does the test involve?

During the test, you will be asked to lie on the Tilt Table; Monitoring equipment will be attached to your wrist and monitoring electrodes (small sticky patches) onto the top of your chest and the sides of your tummy. This is to enable us to look more closely at your symptoms should you experience any. You will have safety straps around your waist and knees to make you feel more secure.

After a period of lying down, the bed will be tilted upwards slowly to an almost upright position (standing on your feet). The bed will stay at this position for the rest of the test.

The test is designed to bring on your symptoms under controlled conditions so you may experience some symptoms for a few moments. Should this happen, the physiologist leading the test may ask if you are able to continue with the test. If the answer is no then the table will be returned quickly to the flat position and the test ended.
 
Depending upon how you are affected by your symptoms it may be advisable to bring a change of clothing with you.

Please do not eat or drink for 2 hours prior to testing. If you suffer from diabetes please continue with your normal eating routine.

This is important as the way that blood pressure is regulated is slightly different before and after meals. You may take any medications as normal.

How long will the test take?

You will be in the almost upgright position for 40 minutes in total. The whole test takes approximately 1 hour.

What happens after the test?

It is normal to feel a little tired after the test. If your symptoms i.e. (dizziness or fainting) happen during testing then you will be allowed to recover fully before going home.

Can I drive home?

Most people who experience symptoms return to normal around 5 to 10 minutes after the test has finished if they experience symptoms, but it can leave some people feeling quite tired so we do recommend that you be accompanied by someone to escort you home.

If there is anything further you wish to know, please contact the Cardio Respiratory Department on 0161 778 2028.