HUT – Head-Up Tilt Test

HUT – Head-Up Tilt Test

The test is indicated to explore the cause of conditions characterised by sudden onset of unconsciousness associated with a fall, followed by a return of consciousness and correction of the general condition within a few minutes. The test is performed on a special electrically controlled tilt table with continuous monitoring of ECG, blood pressure and oxygenation of the body with oxygen. The whole examination takes about 45 minutes including patient preparation.

• In the first phase, the patient is calmed down in a horizontal position,
• in the second phase the patient is reclined to a position of about 60 degrees (feet down, head up) this phase lasts 30 minutes.

Preparation:

4 hours before the examination, do not eat or drink.

Contraindications:

• pregnancy,
• epilepsy,
• age - the examination is carried out up to the age of 70.

If required, the tilt can be immediately returned to its original horizontal position. During tilting, the human physiologically engages certain regulatory mechanisms that lead to a standard cardiac response in order to maintain blood pressure and circulation.

In certain cases, these mechanisms are disturbed, which is manifested by a significant blood-pressure drop, slowing of the heartbeat or, on the contrary, an abnormal increase in heart rate or arrhythmias. Difficulties are manifested by sweating, nausea, dizziness or a feeling of dryness in the mouth. All these manifestations are recorded and documented. Depending on the mechanism of the disorder of consciousness, treatment is then recommended by the physician.