title: Evidence-based treatment for vasovagal syncope.
abstract: Only a minority of patients with vasovagal syncope require treatment, and most can be managed conservatively. Patients should be encouraged to liberalize their fluid and salt intake, unless they have contraindications such as hypertension. All patients should be taught physical counterpressure maneuvers. Midodrine is the first-line therapy for patients having frequent presyncope or syncope or for those with brief or no prodromes. The routine use of beta-blockers, serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors, fludrocortisone, and pacemakers is discouraged. Whether loop recorders can be used to target treatment is under investigation, as is fludrocortisone.
authors.affiliation: Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Vikas
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kuriachan
authors.forename: Robert S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Sheldon
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Platonov
mesh_terms: D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005438:Fludrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008879:Midodrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D005438:Fludrocortisone; D008879:Midodrine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents