title: Syncope: diagnosis of cardiac and noncardiac causes.
abstract: Syncope is a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness not caused by trauma or seizures. Patients age 65 and older are at elevated risk of syncope-related falls and sudden cardiac death. Cardiovascular causes are generally electrical (ie, arrhythmias) or mechanical (obstruction of central circulation at a cardiac valve or major vascular structure). Noncardiovascular causes include orthostatic hypotension, vasovagal reaction, micturition, carotid sinus hypersensitivity, and neurologic (eg, TIAs). Many causes of syncope can be diagnosed from a thorough history and physical exam. More extensive testing--ECG, Holter monitoring, electrophysiology study--may be indicated for selected patients with unexplained syncope and an unremarkable evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, USA.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Farrehi
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Santinga
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Eagle
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D010808:Physical Examination; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*