Head-Up Tilt Table Test

What is head-up tilt table test (HUTT)?

The head-up tilt table test is a way to find out the cause of fainting spells. The test involves lying quietly on a bed and being tilted at different angles (30 to 60 degrees) for a period of time while various machines monitor your blood pressure, electrical impulses in your heart, and your oxygen level.

Why is HUTT done?
To determine the type of syncope, whether vasovagal, dysautonomic response or postural tachycardia syndrome, and its management.

What Preparation is Needed?

• Take all your medications as prescribed.
• Do not eat or drink anything at least 3 hours before your test. If you must take medications, drink only small sips of water to help you swallow your pills.
• When you come for your test, bring with you a list of all your current medications, including the dose.
• When you come to the hospital, wear comfortable clothes. It is best not to wear any jewelry or bring valuables.
• Plan to have someone drive you home after the test.
• If you have diabetes, ask for specific instructions on taking your medications and eating/drinking before the procedure

How is the test done?
The test usually takes one to two hours to complete, however, that may vary depending on the changes observed in your blood pressure and heart rate and the symptoms you experience during the test., Before the test begins, a technician will help you get ready. The doctor will start an IV (intravenous) line. This is so the doctors and nurses may give you medications and fluids during the procedure if necessary.

You will be awake during the test. You will be asked to lie quietly and keep your legs still. You will be connected to 3 monitors,:

• Defibrillator. Allows the doctor and nurse to pace your heart rate if it is too slow or deliver energy to your heart if the rate is too fast.
• DElectrocardiogram or ECG. Attached to several sticky electrode patches placed onto your chest, as well as catheters placed inside your heart. Provides a picture on graph paper of the electrical impulses traveling through your heart.
• DBlood pressure monitor: Connected to a blood pressure cuff on your arm. Checks your blood pressure intermittently throughout the study.

  You will then be tilted to 70 degrees initially for 30 minutes. ECG and blood pressure will be recorded after three minutes. If there are no symptoms during this initial phase, you will be given a nitroglycerine tablet sublingually to provoke the symptoms. Your blood pressure and ECG will be monitored every minute for the next 15 minutes. All results will be interpreted by our competent cardiologists.

What Will I Feel During the Test?

You may feel nothing at all or the symptoms you feel when you're about to pass out. Or, you may pass out (faint). It is important to tell your doctor or nurse any symptoms you feel. As part of the test, your doctor may give you a medication. This medication may make you feel nervous or jittery or you may feel your heart beat faster or stronger. This feeling will go away as the medication wears off.