Syncope in the elderly: a clinical approach.
In the elderly, syncope is a common and potentially hazardous event. The traditional diagnostic approach, which involves extensive procedural testing and hospitalization, will establish the diagnosis in only 40 to 50% of patients, but is associated with significant risk for iatrogenesis in older individuals. A focused approach based on clues from a detailed history and physical exam and knowledge of how age-related physiologic changes can affect presentation of illness in the elderly is emphasized. Treatment should focus on preventing recurrence, and the physician should take into consideration associated age and disease-related changes that may lead to iatrogenic complications. However, therapy should not be denied purely because of the patient's age.
D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D002346:Carotid Sinus / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007024:Hypotension, Orthostatic / Q000150:complications; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D010808:Physical Examination; D012008:Recurrence; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal / Q000503:physiopathology; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy