The Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan > Health Services > Diagnostic Services > Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Services > Head Up Tilt Test

​Head-Up Tilt Table Test 

Some patients complain of dizziness or episodic loss of consciousness, with no obvious cause. This special test is performed to identify the cause. During the test, the patient is tilted head up to a certain angle for up to 45 minutes, while the heart rate, ECG and blood pressure are continuously monitored. Any change in heart rate, blood pressure or recurrence of symptoms is carefully observed.​

  • An advance appointment must be made. 

  • Bring your doctor's prescription to the appointment. 

  • Do not eat or drink anything for at least 4 hours before the test. 

  • Your doctor may instruct you to stop some medications before the test.

  • Other prescribed medicines may be taken with a few sips of water.

  • Wear loose fitting clothes.​

  • You will be asked to lay flat on the tilt table.

  • Electrodes for ECG monitoring will be placed on your chest, while a blood pressure cuff will be placed on one arm and an IV cannula placed in the other arm.

  • After recording your blood pressure, pulse and baseline ECG in the supine position (lying face upwards), restraining straps will be placed over you and the table will be tilled to 60-degrees with head up.

  • ECG and heart rate will be continuously monitored and blood pressure will be recorded after every 3 to 5 minutes. The test will be stopped if you complain of feeling dizzy and/or if your blood pressure or heart rate drops below a certain level. If no significant changes occur, the test will be stopped after 45 minutes. You will be observed for some time before being allowed to go home.​