Syncope in the elderly.
Syncope is common and costly especially in the elderly. Presentation and prevalence may be different compared with the young. Etiologies can be difficult to confirm but it is not a hopeless morass. The history, physical exam, and ECG have the greatest utility. Additional studies should be used sparingly and based on the initial data. Successful response to treatment is difficult to predict.
Hood
Robert
R
Division of Cardiology, The University of Maryland, 22 South Greene Street, Room N3W77, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. rhood@medicine.umaryland.edu
D000368:Aged; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy