When Is Syncope Arrhythmic?

Evan Martow; Roopinder Sandhu

doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2019.05.002

When Is Syncope Arrhythmic?

Med Clin North Am. 2019 Sep;103(5):793-807. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2019.05.002. Epub 2019 Jun 26.

Authors

Evan Martow¹, Roopinder Sandhu²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta, University of Alberta Hospital, Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, 8440 112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7, Canada.
² Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta, Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre, 8440 112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7, Canada. Electronic address: rsandhu2@ualberta.ca.

PMID: 31378326
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2019.05.002

Abstract

Cardiac arrhythmia is a common cause of syncope. The prompt identification of arrhythmic syncope has diagnostic and prognostic implications. In this article, an approach to identifying and managing arrhythmic syncope is discussed, including key findings from the history, physical examination, electrocardiogram, role of risk stratification, use of supplemental investigations, and treatment.

Keywords: Arrhythmia; Bradyarrhythmia; Cardiac monitoring; Syncope; Tachyarrhythmia.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Arrhythmias, Cardiac / complications
Arrhythmias, Cardiac / diagnosis*
Electrocardiography
Humans
Physical Examination
Prognosis
Syncope / epidemiology
Syncope / etiology*