A tilt table study (TTS) may be indicated in patients who have had recurrent syncope (fainting) spells. Syncope results when the brain does not receive sufficient blood flow and oxygen. The TTS helps determine how your body responds to changes in position.

During the test, the patient is instructed to lay on a special table, called a tilt table. An intravenous line is inserted in one arm, and a blood pressure cuff is placed on the other arm. Electrodes are placed on the patient's chest to monitor heart rhythm. Safety straps are then applied across the chest and legs.

Initially, the patient lies flat on the table. Then, the table is tilted so the patient's head is almost upright (60 - 80 degrees). The patient is then continuously monitored in the tilted position for up to 45 minutes, and then returned to a flat position.

Once the test is over, the patient will need someone to drive them home.

Tilt table studies are especially useful in diagnosing vasovagal syncope. Vasovagal syncope is caused by a malfunction of the nerves that control the action of the heart and blood vessels. This malfunction causes the heart to slow down and the blood pressure to drop. As a result, a person loses consciousness.

Syncope may also be caused by heart disease, such as from an arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) or a severely narrowed heart valve. Therefore, it is important to determine the cause of syncope.