Tilttestiä

Tilttestiä is a Finnish term that translates to "tilt test" in English. It refers to a medical diagnostic procedure used to assess the function of the autonomic nervous system, particularly its role in regulating blood pressure and heart rate. The test is primarily employed to investigate the causes of unexplained syncope, or fainting, and orthostatic intolerance, a condition where standing up causes symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and palpitations.

The tilt table test involves strapping the patient onto a special table that can be tilted to various angles, simulating the change in body position from lying down to standing. Initially, the patient lies flat for a period, allowing baseline measurements of heart rate and blood pressure to be taken. The table is then tilted upright, usually to an angle of 60 to 80 degrees, and the patient remains in this position for a set duration, typically 10 to 45 minutes, or until symptoms occur. During this time, continuous monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure is performed.

If the patient's blood pressure drops significantly or their heart rate changes excessively, leading to symptoms consistent with orthostatic intolerance or syncope, the test is considered positive. This indicates a potential dysfunction in the body's ability to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain when changing posture. In some cases, a pharmacological agent like nitroglycerin may be administered during the test to help provoke a response if one doesn't occur spontaneously. The results of the tilt table test help physicians differentiate between various causes of fainting, such as vasovagal syncope or neurocardiogenic syncope, and guide appropriate treatment strategies.