Vasovagal syncope in the older patient

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008 Feb 12;51(6):599-606. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2007.11.025.

Abstract

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) has been diagnosed with increasing frequency in older patients since the head-up tilt-table test (HUT) was described over 2 decades ago. The incidence and prevalence of VVS in this age group remains unknown. Older individuals are more likely to display a dysautonomic hemodynamic pattern with a predominantly hypotensive response during HUT. The positivity rates to passive and isoprotenerol-provoked HUT are reduced with age, but positivity rates for glyceryl-trinitrate-induced HUT are comparable with younger subjects. Few studies into treatment strategies have included older subjects. This is a review of the existing literature on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic tools, and treatment strategies for VVS in older patients, highlighting important areas for future research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Hypotension / physiopathology
  • Syncope, Vasovagal* / diagnosis
  • Syncope, Vasovagal* / epidemiology
  • Syncope, Vasovagal* / physiopathology
  • Syncope, Vasovagal* / therapy
  • Tilt-Table Test