I have had one of these.
The head-up
tilt table test is a way to find out the cause of
fainting spells. The test involves lying quietly on a bed and being tilted at different angles (30 to 60 degrees) for a period of time while various machines monitor your blood pressure, electrical impulses in your heart, and your
oxygen level.
The test usually takes one to two hours to complete, however, that may vary depending on the changes observed in your blood pressure and
heart rate and the symptoms you experience during the test., Before the test begins, a nurse will help you get ready. The nurse will start an IV (intravenous) line. This is so the doctors and nurses may give you medications and fluids during the procedure if necessary.
You will be awake during the test. You will be asked to lie quietly and keep your legs still.
The nurse will connect you to four monitors, including a:
Defibrillator/pacemaker. Attached to one sticky patch placed on the center of your back and one onto your chest as a precautionary measure. Allows the doctor and nurse to pace your heart rate if it is too slow or deliver energy to your heart if the rate is too fast.
Electrocardiogram or ECG. Attached to several sticky electrode patches placed onto your chest, as well as catheters placed inside your heart. Provides a picture on graph paper of the electrical impulses traveling through your heart.
Oximeter monitor. Attached to a small clip on your finger. Checks the oxygen level of your blood.
Blood pressure monitor: Connected to a blood pressure cuff on your arm. Checks your blood pressure intermittently throughout the study.
Depending on your medical history, a blood sample may be taken before and during the tilt test to measure a hormone called
adrenaline.
You may feel nothing at all or the symptoms you feel when you're about to pass out. Or, you may pass out (faint). It is important to tell your doctor or nurse any symptoms you feel. As part of the test, your doctor may give you a medication called Isuprel. This medication may make you feel nervous or jittery or you may feel your heart beat faster or stronger. This feeling will go away as the medication wears off.
Most likely, you will be able to go home after the test. You should have someone with you to drive you home. After your test is received by your doctor, your medications may be changed or you may need new medications or additional tests or procedures.
Click these links if you would like to read more info:
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/tilt-table-test
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3