tilt table testing

Indications

• evaluation of neurocardiogenic vasopressor dysfunction (NVD)

Procedure

• patient is restrained on a table with feet on a footboard
• the table is abrubtly tilted 60-90 degrees from the supine position for 10-60 minutes
• heart rate, blood pressure & symptoms are monitored
• test is diagnostic if bradycardia or hypotension develops with symptoms of syncope or pre-syncope
• if hypotension or bradycardia do NOT occur, repeat testing with isoproterenol infusion

Sensitivity: 50-70% (70-90% with isoproterenol infusion)

Specificity: 95% (75% with isoproterenol infusion), 85.5% with nitroglycerin*

* nitroglycerin yields the most positive results

False positives: 10-60% (depending upon study)

More general terms

• clinical procedure

Additional terms

• vasovagal reaction (fainting)