Syncope in elderly patients. Why their risk is higher.
The elderly are at increased risk for syncope not only because of physiologic changes due to aging but also because they have a higher incidence of chronic illness and use a greater number of medications that may cause orthostatic hypotension. Although evaluation should emphasize cardiovascular and neurologic components, the cause may remain elusive in as many as 50% of patients.
Bonema
J D
JD
Division of Internal Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073.
Maddens
M E
ME
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013575:Syncope / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology