$Unique_ID{BRK02116}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Tilt Test for Syncope}
$Subject{tilt test tests faint fainting syncope blood brain oxygen hemoglobin
electrocardiogram electrocardiograms ECG ECG's irregular heart beat pace maker
examination examinations}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Tilt Test for Syncope


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QUESTION:  My older brother called to tell us his doctor had recommended a
"tilt test" for him.  That's all he knew, for he doesn't know what the test
is, or why he is being asked too have one.  Do you know anything about the
test?  We are more than a little worried about him, and wish we understood
this a bit more so we can help advise him what to do.

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ANSWER:  When a patient complains of fainting (syncope) and there are no clear
reasons for this, a tilt test is often used to help discover the underlying
causes for the problem.  Syncope can be caused by many factors that range from
anemia to problems with the beating of the heart.  Syncope occurs when either
there is an insufficient amount of blood pumped to the brain, or when there is
an insufficient quantity of oxygen carried by the hemoglobin in the red cells.
While blood tests can help determine the possible problems with the blood,
abnormal heart rhythms are harder to find, especially when they only occur
from time to time.  A tilt test can sometimes cause the heart to beat
erratically, when all the test instruments are in place.
     The patient is first checked while lying flat on his back on a movable
examining table.  Blood pressure, pulse and heart rhythm are monitored for
about ten minutes to be sure that these findings are stable.  Then the table
is suddenly tilted, the patient's head up, and the heart monitored by an
electrocardiogram (ECG).  This may be enough to produce an irregular heart
beat, and reproduce the symptoms of fainting.  When the simple test does not
show any change in pulse rate or blood pressure, additional medications may be
used to further test the heart beat.
     Once the cause is determined, the patient can be placed on a variety of
medications that help prevent irregular heart beat.  If the beat is found to
be too slow, and it remains that way for long periods, a pace maker may be
indicated.  Other tests such as treadmill ECG's and Holter Monitors, which
record the heart action over a 24 hour period, are also useful in arriving at
the correct diagnosis.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.