A tilt table test is used to evaluate the cause of unexplained fainting.

A health care provider might recommend a tilt table test to evaluate repeated, unexplained episodes of lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting. The test can help determine if the cause is related to heart rate or blood pressure.

Why it’s done

A health care provider might recommend a tilt table test to try to trigger signs and symptoms — lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting — while monitoring heart rate and blood pressure.

The nervous system controls heart rate and blood pressure. It may suddenly lower the heart rate and blood pressure for a short time when moving to an upright position during the tilt table test. As a result, less blood flows to the brain, possibly causing fainting.