Variability of cardioinhibition in vasovagal syncope: differences between subgroups during cardioinhibition and beyond

Abstract

Purpose: We compared hemodynamic parameters between subjects with marked, intermediate and minimal cardioinhibition during vasovagal syncope.

Methods: The study included subjects with a decrease in heart rate while experiencing a complete vasovagal syncope during tilt-table testing. The subjects were classified as having marked, intermediate or minimal cardioinhibition, based on tertile values of the decrease in heart rate. Hemodynamic parameters between these groups were compared before tilt in the supine position, shortly after tilt and during cardioinhibition.

Results: A total of 149 subjects with a median age of 43 (interquartile range 24-60) years were included in the study. Among the three groups with different levels of cardioinhibition, the highest heart rate was observed in subjects with marked cardioinhibition both before and shortly after tilt and at the start of cardioinhibition. The heart rate decrease in these subjects was both larger and faster compared to subjects with minimal and intermediate cardioinhibition.

Conclusion: Subjects with marked cardioinhibition have both a larger and faster decrease in heart rate compared to subjects with intermediate and minimal cardioinhibition, as early as from the start of cardioinhibition. Marked cardioinhibition is related to differences in hemodynamic profiles already present well before the start of cardioinhibition.

Keywords: Cardioinhibition; Reflex syncope; Tilt-table testing; Vasovagal syncope.