Tilt table testing may be done to determine how changes in your posture affect your blood pressure and heart rhythm. This sort of testing is usually performed to evaluate your tendency to develop the so-called "common fainting" spells. The test is done while you lie on a bed that can be moved from a horizontal to a near-vertical position. During the test, the bed is tilted up and down while your symptoms, heart rhythm, and blood pressure are continuously monitored.

• You will be asked to not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure.
   
  
• You should dress in comfortable clothing.
  
  
• Your primary doctor may request some standard tests, such as an electrocardiogram, chest x-ray or routine blood tests, that should be completed at your community clinic or hospital prior to your procedure at MHI. The results of these tests are sent to Minneapolis Heart Institute in preparation for your tilt table test.
  
  
• Tilt table testing may be done in conjunction with other tests such as an Electrophysiology Study (EPS) and/or Catheter Ablation.
  
  
• When you arrive at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, you should report to the Day Angiogram admitting desk in the Piper Building lobby (on the northeast corner of the campus, on the corner of 26th Street and 10th Avenue; Choose from the following links to view maps and directions or a campus guide.) You will then be taken to the Cardiovascular Outpatient Care Unit to prepare for the procedure.

• The tilt table test is done while you lie on a table that can move from a horizontal to a near-vertical position.
  
  
• During the test, the table is tilted up and down while your symptoms, heart rate and blood presser are continuously monitored.
  
  
• Medications may be given through an intravenous (IV) line during the test.

• Your EP doctor will share the results of your tilt table test after the procedure, and will help determine your treatment plan.
  
  
• If the test is performed as an outpatient, you may go home the same day.
  
  
• Please make arrangements to have a friend or family member drive you home.

Other procedures for this sub-specialty

• Cardioversion 
• Electrophysiology Study and Catheter Ablation 
• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator 
• Pacemaker & ICD Follow-up/Evaluation 
• Pacemaker Implantation