Active Standing Test (AST) or Poor Man’s Tilt Table Test (PMTTT): First, doctors will measure the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure lying down. Then the patient will stand. The same measurements will be taken after 2 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes, or every 2 minutes for 10 total minutes.  Most everyone has a decrease in blood pressure and an increased heart rate when they go from sitting to standing.  People with abnormal responses may feel faint, dizzy, or have a large change in their vitals indicating a form of dysautonomia. Orthostatic Hypotension would make the change from sitting to standing more pronounced and often be accompanied with other symptoms.  Vasovagal syncope may not show noticeable changes until 10 minutes after standing.  If the heart rate increases at least 30 beats per minute after ten minutes it is considered abnormal.  There are many variants to this test.  Here is one example you can use with your doctor. 

1. Have someone with you to record the information and run the equipment needed.  You will need something to measure both your heart rate and blood pressure.
2. Lay flat on your back for 10 minutes.  Do not talk or move during this time.  Relax to get a base reading.  After 10 minutes have the first measurements taken.
3. Slowly get up and stand straight.  You should continue to be as relaxed as possible. Do not talk and remain as motionless as possible without shifting your weight from leg to leg.  Be aware of your own limits and stop the test if you are dizzy or feel as if you will faint.  The person assisting you should again take the measurements and record them at the 2, 5, and 10 minute marks.  If you cannot stand then go from laying to sitting with your feet flat on the floor.
4. The more days you take the test the better.  You may also want to note things for each day to try and find patterns with times and diets. Stress is also known to be a factor so could be noted as well.