Epidemiology and economic impact of cardiac syncope in western countries.
This article updates our current understanding of the epidemiology and economic impact of syncope in western countries. Unfortunately, both of these aspects of syncope are inadequately understood; in part the problem is due to the difficulty in public health data separating 'true syncope' from conditions that cause other forms of transient loss of consciousness. However, in certain respects, the epidemiology of syncope is becoming clearer. Similarly, we have come to understand that the economic impact of syncope is substantial and is much larger than is necessary, primarily because management, especially excessive hospitalization, often remains suboptimal.
Imperial College London, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK; ICCH Building, 59-61 North Wharf Road, London W2 1LA, UK. r.sutton@imperial.ac.uk
Richard
R
Sutton
David Guay
DG
Benditt
D019049:Developed Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017048:Health Care Costs; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States