The tilt table test is a diagnostic procedure used to investigate the cause of syncope (fainting) and unexplained dizziness. The purpose of this test is to observe how your heart rate and blood pressure respond to changes in body position, particularly when moving from lying down to an upright posture. Monitoring these physiological responses helps healthcare providers identify conditions that affect the body’s control over circulation. Proper preparation, especially regarding what you wear, ensures the accuracy and efficiency of the test.
Recommended Clothing for Comfort and Accuracy
Choosing the right clothing is important for a smooth and accurate tilt table test, as technicians need unobstructed access to various parts of your body. Select a loose-fitting, two-piece outfit consisting of a top and separate bottoms. This separation makes it easier for the medical team to place monitoring devices without having to fully disrobe the patient.
The top should have short sleeves or be sleeveless, allowing the blood pressure cuff to be placed directly onto the skin of the arm for continuous measurement. Clothing made from breathable, natural fibers like cotton is preferred, as the test can sometimes induce sweating or lightheadedness, and comfort is important during the procedure. Loose-fitting attire also prevents restrictive pressure that might interfere with circulation or cause discomfort when lying still for an extended time.
The medical team will place multiple electrode patches on your chest and sometimes your limbs, to monitor your heart’s electrical activity via an electrocardiogram (EKG). A loose top allows the technician to easily position these electrodes correctly on the skin. If you wear a tight-fitting or long-sleeved shirt, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown, which adds time to the preparation phase.
A two-piece ensemble, such as sweatpants and a t-shirt, is preferable over single-piece garments like dresses, jumpsuits, or overalls. This allows for easier access to the torso while maintaining modesty and accommodates the placement of safety straps that secure you to the tilt table. Clothing should not have any metallic elements in the chest area, as these can disrupt the electrical signals recorded by the EKG machine.
Personal Items and Accessories to Leave at Home
Certain personal items and accessories must be avoided because they can interfere with the monitoring equipment used during the test. Any jewelry should be removed before arriving at the facility, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. Items like watches and heavy belt buckles should also be left at home.
Metal accessories are problematic because they can generate electrical interference, potentially distorting the EKG readings used to track your heart rhythm. Female patients should not wear an underwire bra, as the metal wire sits directly over the chest area where EKG electrodes are placed. This proximity can lead to signal noise, which compromises the clarity and accuracy of the monitoring data.
Leave unnecessary valuables at home or with a trusted person. You will be asked to remove these items before the test begins, and they need to be stored during the procedure. Minimizing personal belongings helps streamline the preparation process and reduces the risk of misplacing items.
Logistics of the Test Day
Preparation for the tilt table test includes several necessary logistical steps beyond clothing. Patients are typically required to fast, meaning they should not consume any food or drink for four to six hours prior to the scheduled test time. This minimizes the risk of nausea or vomiting, which can sometimes be triggered when blood pressure drops during the test.
Always follow the specific instructions provided by your referring physician regarding medications. Most regular prescription medications can generally be taken with small sips of water on the morning of the test. However, certain drugs, such as blood pressure medications like beta-blockers and diuretics, may need to be temporarily held because they could alter the body’s natural response.
The test itself typically takes one to one and a half hours, though the overall appointment time will be longer to account for preparation and recovery. Arrive at the facility about fifteen minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork and begin the preparation process.
Since the test is designed to reproduce symptoms like dizziness or fainting, you should not plan to drive yourself home afterward. Arrange for a friend or family member to provide transportation, ensuring your safety after the procedure. Even if you do not experience symptoms, the effects of lying down for an extended period and then being upright can cause temporary lightheadedness.