Vasovagal syncope in the older patient.
Vasovagal syncope (VVS) has been diagnosed with increasing frequency in older patients since the head-up tilt-table test (HUT) was described over 2 decades ago. The incidence and prevalence of VVS in this age group remains unknown. Older individuals are more likely to display a dysautonomic hemodynamic pattern with a predominantly hypotensive response during HUT. The positivity rates to passive and isoprotenerol-provoked HUT are reduced with age, but positivity rates for glyceryl-trinitrate-induced HUT are comparable with younger subjects. Few studies into treatment strategies have included older subjects. This is a review of the existing literature on the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic tools, and treatment strategies for VVS in older patients, highlighting important areas for future research.
Tan
Maw Pin
MP
Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Parry
Steve W
SW
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000503:physiopathology; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D018667:Tilt-Table Test