What is head up tilt test (HUTT) – Cardiology Basics

] What is head up tilt test (HUTT) – Cardiology Basics Head up tilt test, known as HUTT or tilt table test is commonly done for the evaluation of recurrent episodes of syncope with no other evident cause. Change in heart rate and blood pressure on assuming the erect posture is monitored in this test. It is also useful in the evaluation of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition in which the heart rate increases on standing up. Various protocols are followed in different centres for HUTT. One protocol is as follows: The subject is strapped to the tilt table and heart rate and blood pressure monitors connected. Ideally a beat-to-beat finger blood pressure monitoring device is to be used, though it is not available always and is more expensive than the usual blood pressure monitoring equipment. Usual blood pressure monitoring equipment cannot provide a beat-to-beat change in blood pressure and may be difficult to use during a syncopal episode. Infusion pump for delivering medications is set up in the beginning, to be used if needed. ECG, oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry and blood pressure are charted at regular intervals during the test. Resuscitation tray and personnel are at hand during the test. In the first phase of the test, the person lies in the supine position for 30 minutes. This is followed by a tilt phase of 20 minutes at an angle of 70 degrees. If fainting does not occur during the period, the tilt table is brought to the horiz...
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs