[It is not easy to examine the causes of fainting. Vasovagal syncope is mostly not dangerous, cardiac syncope is potentially life-threatening].
Of the approximately 30 per cent of the population who are afflicted with syncope at some time of life, 30 per cent will relapse. Despite extensive investigation, no specific cause is identified in about one third of cases. Although some episodes of syncope, e.g. cardiovascular syncope, are benign and self-limiting, others such as mechanical cardiac syncope and arrhythmogenic syncope are associated with considerable mortality. The article consists in a review of available data on differential diagnostic evaluation and treatment with special emphasis on case history.
Linde
C
C
Kardiologiska kliniken, Karolinska sjukhuset, Stockholm. cli@cardio.ks.se
D000367:Age Factors; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D011187:Posture; D013575:Syncope / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality