Early predictive indexes of head-up tilt table testing outcomes utilizing heart rate and arterial pressure changes

The 45-minute head-upright tilt test (HUTT) at an angle of 60 degrees to 70 degrees (i.e., Westminster protocol) is a standard protocol for the diagno sis of unexplained syncope(1,2) has acceptable sensitivity and specifleity. (4) A major drawback is its long duration, especially for the elderly and p atients disabled by traumatic falls. Early predictive indexes of HUTT outco me based on heart rate (HR) changes during the test have been reported by M allat et al,(5) and more recently by Alvarez et al.(6) These previous obser vations were based upon the analysis of early (6 and 5 minutes, respectivel y) responses in HR and yielded contradictory findings. The purpose of the p resent study was to determine the potential usefulness of early changes in arterial pressure in combination with HR as predictors of the outcome of pa ssive HUTT.