Tilt Table Testing for POTS: A Straightforward Diagnostic Tool

The tilt table test is the gold standard for diagnosing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). It's a controlled way to assess how your cardiovascular system responds to standing up.

How the Test Works

You'll lie flat on a motorised table whilst a clinician record your baseline heart rate and blood pressure. The table then gently tilts you upright to 60-70 degrees, simulating the act of standing. This position is maintained for 5 minutes whilst your vital signs are continuously monitored.

Patients are asked to remain as still as possible to avoid affecting the results. If symptoms become severe, the test can be stopped immediately. However, most patients tolerate the full test well.

What Clinicians Look For

A POTS diagnosis requires a sustained heart rate increase of 30 beats per minute or more (40 bpm for kids and teens) within the first 5 minutes of being upright, without a significant blood pressure drop. You'll also be monitored for symptoms like dizziness or light-headedness.

Why It Matters

Tilt table testing used by Dr Jessica Povall

This test distinguishes POTS from other causes of dizziness or fainting, providing objective data for accurate diagnosis. The results directly inform treatment planning, moving beyond guesswork to evidence-based care.

Safety and Risks

The procedure is generally safe, with minimal risks limited to temporary dizziness or nausea during testing.

The Bottom Line

Tilt table testing provides crucial objective measurements of your body's cardiovascular response to positional changes. For those with suspected POTS, it offers concrete answers about how your autonomic nervous system functions under controlled conditions.

Tilt table at Brain Hub Clinic used by Dr Jessica Povall for POTS diagnosis