Tilt Table Testing

A woman and her grandmother stroll happily through a park

What is a tilt table?

A tilt table is a diagnostic test that recreates the conditions that may be causing your dizziness or fainting. As you lie on a table, it tilts by varying degrees while a machine measure your blood pressure, heart rate and heart rhythm to see how they react to changes in your body's position. On average, this test takes two hours and can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

Treatment Options

If your doctor suspects that your fainting is from a heart-related cause, such as abnormal heart rhythm, he or she may prescribe additional testing or heart monitoring to help determine the cause. An insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) may help your doctor confirm or rule out an abnormal heart rhythm as the cause of your fainting. If your fainting is heart related, treatment options may include a lifestyle change, medication, an implantable pacemaker or implantable defibrillator, or an ablation procedure. Your doctor will be able to decide the best treatment based on your condition.