Your doctor is recommending a tilt table test. This recommendation is based on your past medical history, physical exam, and current symptoms.

A tilt table test is usually used to evaluate patients who have had unexplained fainting spells or passing out, which is a condition called syncope. Syncope is a relatively common condition in the general population and can be caused by a variety of health problems - some that are very serious and others that are not so serious.

The most common type of syncope is neurocardiogenic syncope, also called "simple fainting." Simple fainting occurs when your heart rate and rhythm are affected by your body's position. Although simple fainting may be alarming to those who see it, fortunately, it is rarely life threatening.

A tilt table test is looking for this type of syncope. It allows your doctor to examine your heart and blood pressure's response to your body's position - by tilting you back and forth on a special table.