How much is the sensitivity of the head-up tilt test in patients with syncope?
Tilt head test has an estimated sensitivity of 25% to 75% and specificity of 90% to 100%.
Is there administration of any medication during the test?
If no symptoms are seen, medicine to increase heart rate may be given during the procedure.
Is there any difference between individuals with positive and negative tests?
There is no significant difference between them regarding age, sex, supine systolic blood pressure, number of syncopal attacks in patients with syncope history, underlying heart disease, ejection fraction, or type of fascicular block.
Who conducts the test?
A cardiac physiologist conducts the head-up tilt test.
What preparations are needed before the test?
The patient needs to eat a light meal 2 to 3 hours before and then not eat until after the test.
Why is GNT spray given during the head-up tilt test?
GNT spray is given under the tongue during the test to elicit a vasovagal response, which is known to induce venous dilation.
Where is the head-up tilt test performed?
The test is performed in a particular room called the electrophysiology (EP) lab.
When is the invasive cardiologist involved in the patient's care, diagnosis, and treatment?
When a patient is brought into the emergency with a stroke or heart attack, an invasive cardiologist is involved immediately.
What is the specialized training an invasive cardiologist has to do?
An invasive cardiologist is a doctor, so they have to go to medical school for 4 years, and 3 years of residency have to be cleared, followed by another 3 years of fellowship. For specialized training, another 1–2 years of cardiology fellowship is needed.
What tests will an invasive cardiologist do on the patient's first visit?
The cardiologist may ask for minimally invasive tests such as X-rays and blood tests, with or without an ECG, to determine the abnormality in the heart.
