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Updated: May 29, 2026

Tilt Testing with Combined Lower Body Negative Pressure: a "Gold Standard" for Measuring Orthostatic Tolerance
Published on: March 21, 2013
A patient treated with tilt training and midodrine after 68 seconds asystole during head-up tilt table testing
Fahrettin Oz1, Yaşar Cizgici, A Kaya Bilge
1Istanbul University, Istanbul School of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Istanbul, Turkey. fahrettin_oz@hotmail.com
Insights
Neurocardiogenic syncope, a common cause of fainting, can be effectively managed. This case study highlights successful treatment using midodrine and a tilt training program, preventing further fainting episodes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Neurocardiogenic syncope is a frequent cause of syncope, often diagnosed via head-up tilt testing.
- Recurrent episodes can significantly impact quality of life.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old male presented with recurrent syncope, triggered by venipuncture and prolonged standing.
- Syncope occurred during head-up tilt table testing, with sinus rhythm returning after 68 seconds.
Findings:
- The patient received a combination therapy of midodrine (2.5 mg daily) and a structured tilt training program.
- This therapeutic approach led to significant clinical improvement.
Implications:
- Tilt training, combined with pharmacotherapy like midodrine, offers an effective strategy for managing recurrent neurocardiogenic syncope.
- A six-month follow-up revealed no major adverse events, suggesting sustained therapeutic benefit.
Abstract:
Neurocardiogenic syncope is a relatively common cause of syncope and is diagnosed by head-up tilt testing. A 21-year-old man was examined for frequent syncope episodes which occurred after episodes of blood drawing and standing in queue. Syncope developed in tilt table testing. After about 68 seconds, sinus rhythm returned. Recent reports have shown that tilt training is a very effective therapy for recurrent neurocardiogenic syncope. In our case, the patient was treated with midodrine 2.5 mg once a day and a tilt training programme. Therapy resulted in improvement and during a follow-up of six months, no major events occurred.
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