Vasovagal syncope: management with atrioventricular sequential pacing and beta-blockade.
A case of vasovagal syncope in an otherwise healthy 74-year-old woman is described. Attempts to prevent symptoms with ventricular and atrioventricular sequential temporary pacing (documented by continuous monitoring of heart rate and intra-arterial recording of blood pressure during spontaneous episodes) proved inadequate. However, the addition of a beta-blocker to permanent DDD pacing was clinically successful in markedly diminishing symptoms. The mechanisms of action of this treatment modality is discussed.
Kus
T
T
Research Centre, Sacré-Coeur Hospital, Montreal, Quebec.
Lalonde
G
G
de Champlain
J
J
Shenasa
M
M
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009248:Nadolol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D013575:Syncope / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D009248:Nadolol