The use of head-up tilt table testing in the evaluation of unexplained syncope.
Head-up tilt table testing was performed in 50 patients for evaluation of syncope. A positive test occurred in 29 patients (58 percent). Of these 29 patients, 15 were categorized as vasovagal; 11 as orthostatic hypotension; and three as chronotropic incompetence. Isoproterenol facilitated the occurrence of a positive test in 13 patients. Medications were used to treat 15 of the 29 patients having a positive test result. Syncope recurred in two patients over a 9 +/- 5 month follow-up period. In patients having unexplained syncope, head-up tilt table testing may provide a diagnosis and can be used to assess therapy. Earlier use of this testing modality in selected patients may obviate more expensive testing.
McCowan
R
R
Department of Cardiology, Charleston Area Medical Center.
Tone
L
L
Thorpe
C
C
Kiser
J
J
Miller
T
T
Hatfield
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007545:Isoproterenol; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D013575:Syncope / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000503:physiopathology*
D007545:Isoproterenol