title: Syncope.
abstract: Syncope is common representing approximately 3% of ED visits and up to 6% of hospital admissions, with a cost close to 2 billion dollars per year. Diagnostic testing is often poorly sensitive and evaluations commonly lack a standardized approach. A mindful and systematic approach can increase sensitivity and improve diagnostic accuracy. A thorough history and physical exam is paramount, as conclusions drawn from the history and exam will guide further assessment. Developing a strategy for the first and, if necessary, subsequent tests will improve the accuracy of identifying the etiology of syncope and reduce cost. Although syncope has a favorable prognosis, identification of patients with structural heart disease is critical, as these patients are at greatest risk for mortality. Several risk scoring systems have been developed to help separate high risk from low risk patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular disease, Department of Medicine, Electrophysiology and Pacing Service, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Jordan C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiovascular disease, Department of Medicine, Electrophysiology and Pacing Service, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA kusumoto.fred@mayo.edu.
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kusumoto
authors.affiliation: Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Nora
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Goldschlager
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004452:Echocardiography; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis*
keywords: diagnostic evaluation; risk score; syncope