CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Tilt-table test
- No.1 in London for private cardiac care
- Results within 48 hours
- 99% of patients would recommend us to family and friends
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TILT-TABLE TEST at hca uk
Why choose us for your tilt-table test?
We treat over 36,000 cardiac patients every year, and are the UK’s most trusted private care provider, rated No.1 for private cardiovascular care. It’s why 99% of the people we look after would recommend us to family and friends.
Choose us for your tilt-table test and we’ll be able to confirm your appointment with a cardiologist within 24 hours. Your results will be ready within 48 hours and will be reviewed by your consultant, who will talk to you in detail about what your results mean and discuss next steps, including any ongoing monitoring or treatment you may need.
Choose us for your tilt-table test and we’ll be able to confirm your appointment with a cardiologist within 24 hours. Your results will be ready within 48 hours and will be reviewed by your consultant, who will talk to you in detail about what your results mean and discuss next steps, including any ongoing monitoring or treatment you may need.
A tilt-table test is used to work out what’s causing symptoms such as light-headedness, dizziness or fainting that happen when you stand, or sit up after lying down.
Your body should be able to manage your heart rate and blood pressure whether you're lying down, sitting or standing. So, if you're having these symptoms, it may be a sign of an underlying condition that impacts how your nervous system and heart adapt when you stand or sit up.
Recreating these symptoms in a safe, controlled environment while monitoring your heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure allows your cardiologist to detect any underlying causes, such as a drop in blood pressure or a change in your heart rate or rhythm as you change positions. It gives your cardiologist insight into how your autonomic nervous system controls your heart rate and blood pressure.
This can then help them to diagnose any potential cardiac conditions you may have and recommend specific treatments that are likely to be effective.
Your body should be able to manage your heart rate and blood pressure whether you're lying down, sitting or standing. So, if you're having these symptoms, it may be a sign of an underlying condition that impacts how your nervous system and heart adapt when you stand or sit up.
Recreating these symptoms in a safe, controlled environment while monitoring your heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure allows your cardiologist to detect any underlying causes, such as a drop in blood pressure or a change in your heart rate or rhythm as you change positions. It gives your cardiologist insight into how your autonomic nervous system controls your heart rate and blood pressure.
This can then help them to diagnose any potential cardiac conditions you may have and recommend specific treatments that are likely to be effective.
If you've been experiencing recurrent issues, a tilt-table test may be recommended by your GP or cardiologist alongside other diagnostic investigations to get a more comprehensive understanding of your symptoms. It’s often only requested if other likely causes for the dizziness or fainting have been ruled out by previous tests that you’ve had.
At HCA, you can see a GP at a time that suits you, and even on the same day if necessary.
At HCA, you can see a GP at a time that suits you, and even on the same day if necessary.
You can access HCA UK’s state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and the specialist support needed for a tilt table test either at London Bridge Hospital or at the Lister Hospital in London. You can find your nearest facility in the ‘Our locations’ section below.
Depending on your results, we can then refer you onwards to any of our five outstanding cardiac centres at the Harley Street Clinic, The Wellington Hospital, London Bridge Hospital, The Harborne Hospital in Birmingham or The Portland Hospital, where we offer specialist heart care for children.
Depending on your results, we can then refer you onwards to any of our five outstanding cardiac centres at the Harley Street Clinic, The Wellington Hospital, London Bridge Hospital, The Harborne Hospital in Birmingham or The Portland Hospital, where we offer specialist heart care for children.
We know it be stressful waiting for an appointment and for your results, so we’ll make sure that we quickly get things moving for you.
We’ll confirm your tilt-table test with a cardiovascular specialist within 24 hours of you requesting an appointment. Your results will be back with you within 48 hours, so you don't have too long to wait.
We’ll confirm your tilt-table test with a cardiovascular specialist within 24 hours of you requesting an appointment. Your results will be back with you within 48 hours, so you don't have too long to wait.
Rapid access to tests and scans
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis in as little as 24 hours.
State-of-the-art facilities
Access innovative treatment options.
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Visit any of our 15 dedicated diagnostic centres in London, Manchester and Birmingham.
Locations
Where can I get a tilt-table test?
We can carry out a tilt-table test at any of the outstanding HCA UK healthcare locations detailed below.
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
What to expect
Your tilt-table test with HCA UK
We’re dedicated to making sure that you get fast access to detailed diagnostics and results, alongside all the help and advice you need. You’ll be in expert and caring hands, every step of the way.
01
Referral and booking
To get booked in for a tilt-table test, you‘ll need a referral from a GP or cardiologist.
02
Preparing for the test
Your consultant cardiac physiologist will explain how the tilt-table test works, why you’ve been recommended to have it and answer any questions you may have. If you have any existing medical conditions or are taking any medications that may influence the test, you should talk about these with your team before the test takes place.
You should also avoid having any caffeine for at least 24 hours leading up to your appointment. It’s a good idea to eat a light meal around four hours before the test and then to fast until after the test is complete.
You should also avoid having any caffeine for at least 24 hours leading up to your appointment. It’s a good idea to eat a light meal around four hours before the test and then to fast until after the test is complete.
03
During the test
A tilt-table test may last up to two hours, although you won't be in a tilted position for that length of time. The precise protocol we follow will depend on the specific details of your referral and the symptoms that you’re experiencing, but this gives you an idea of what happens during a typical test:
- ECG (electrocardiogram) sensors are attached to your chest using small sticky pads. These will be used to monitor your heart rate and rhythm, while a blood pressure monitor will also be attached to your arm.
- You’ll then be strapped onto a motorised table which can be raised and lowered to different angles, for various lengths of time. You’ll be secured with safety straps, so you won't fall if you faint or feel light-headed.
You’ll also be monitored for a short time once the table has been lowered. As soon as you feel well and any symptoms of dizziness have gone, you'll be able to go home.
04
Aftercare
You may have a headache for up to a few days after your test, particularly if you’ve been very tired or have had low energy along with dizziness and low general stamina. It’s a good idea to try and rest and it’s important to drink lots of water too so you remain hydrated after the test.
05
Results
Your cardiologist will review your results and discuss them with you. If any further tests or treatment options are needed, they’ll also explain these to you.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Tilt-table test FAQ
Symptoms such as fainting, light-headedness and dizziness can be linked to various medical conditions involving the heart, including:
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): This condition makes it hard for your body to manage your blood pressure and heart rate normally when you’re standing up. This usually causes symptoms such as a fast heart rate, fatigue and dizziness.
- Cardiac arrhythmia: This is an umbrella term referring to conditions caused by an abnormal heartbeat. Bradycardia (an abnormally slow heart rate) and tachycardia (an abnormally fast heart rate) are the two conditions that a tilt-table test can most commonly help to positively confirm.
- Cardiomyopathy: This covers a range of diseases that impact the heart's ability to pump blood effectively around your body. Over time, this can lead to heart failure as your heart becomes weaker and your body doesn't get the blood supply it needs to function.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension): This can both be a condition in itself, and a symptom of another condition. If you blood pressure is too low, it could mean that your vital organs aren't getting the volume of blood they need to function properly.
While a positive tilt-table test may be a sign that you have one of these heart conditions, it can also be caused by other complications such as low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Your experienced cardiologist will review the results of your test and talk you through any clear diagnostic conclusions they can draw.
A tilt-table test triggers your symptoms in a safe and controlled way by imitating what happens in your body when you stand or sit up after lying down.
Your heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure are assessed as your body is tilted in gradual timed stages. This takes you up to an almost upright position to simulate standing up.
How your heart rate and blood pressure respond to this change in position can help to identify why you're experiencing symptoms such as fainting, dizziness and light-headedness.
If you don't start having symptoms during the test, you may be given medication to help recreate them. With a normal tilt-table test result, your blood pressure will stay stable as your position is elevated while your heart rate increases as expected when you’re upright.
Your heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure are assessed as your body is tilted in gradual timed stages. This takes you up to an almost upright position to simulate standing up.
How your heart rate and blood pressure respond to this change in position can help to identify why you're experiencing symptoms such as fainting, dizziness and light-headedness.
If you don't start having symptoms during the test, you may be given medication to help recreate them. With a normal tilt-table test result, your blood pressure will stay stable as your position is elevated while your heart rate increases as expected when you’re upright.
Our skilled, integrated team of physiologists, electrophysiologists and cardiologists is here for you. Together they’ll conduct and oversee your tilt-table test, and they’ll be supported by a wider multidisciplinary team at every stage.
Everything we do will be focused on ensuring you receive the highest quality personalised care, a fast, accurate diagnosis and the right treatment, should you need it.
Everything we do will be focused on ensuring you receive the highest quality personalised care, a fast, accurate diagnosis and the right treatment, should you need it.
Tilt-table tests are generally safe. However, there are always some risks associated with purposefully triggering your symptoms, and with testing in general. Potential complications during and after the test can include:
- Low or high blood pressure
- Dizziness and light-headedness
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Changes in heart rate and palpitations
- Stomach discomfort
If you faint during a tilt-table procedure, the cardiac physiologist overseeing the test will lower the table back down so you can regain consciousness. Because symptoms will have been triggered, the test will be over, but you'll continue to be monitored until you're in a safe condition to return home.
Our patient stories
Susan's journey to heart health
A family history of cardiac issues and annual check-ups unveiled a series of new conditions.
Joel’s heart surgery
Joel's parents thought he just had a cold. When it turned out he needed a serious operation, The Harley Street Clinic helped him make a full recovery.
Tod's story
For Tod, 59, an investment banker with 37 years’ experience working in the city, there was nothing to suggest that there was anything wrong with his health. Incredibly active and cycling 30 miles daily each way on his commute, it was only when he went for a health check that something alarming appeared.
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