Tilt table testing is used in the diagnosis of which condition?

• A. Syncope
• B. Orthostatic hypotension
• C. Hypertension
• D. Arrhythmia

Answer: (B)

Tilt-table testing recreates the upright posture in a controlled way to see how the autonomic system handles standing. As the patient is tilted upright, clinicians watch for the heart rate response and, crucially, whether blood pressure drops significantly and symptoms develop. A typical positive result shows a meaningful decrease in blood pressure within a few minutes of tilting, often with corresponding symptoms, which helps confirm orthostatic intolerance or orthostatic hypotension as the cause of dizziness or fainting. It’s especially useful when standing tests aren’t feasible or when autonomic dysfunction is suspected, and it can also help differentiate vasovagal (reflex) causes from other etiologies. It isn’t the primary test for hypertension or arrhythmias, which is why this test is best interpreted in the context of suspected orthostatic problems.