Cardiology: Syncope

Question 1

how is syncope defined?

Answer 1

a sudden temporary loss of consciousness and postural tone secondary to cerebral hypoperfusion

Question 2

name etiologies of syncope

Answer 2

cardiac: valvular lesions, arrhythmias, PE, cardiac tamponade, aortic dissection
non cardiac: orthostatic/hypovolemic hypotension, neurologic (TIA, stroke), metabolic abnormalities, neurocardiogenic syndromes (vasovagal/micturition syncope), psychiatric

Question 3

what should be asked about in pts with syncope?

Answer 3

triggers, prodromal symptoms

cardiac causes=history of exertion, lack of association of with changes in position, hisotory of cardiac disease

Question 4

how are cardiac syncope and sudden cardiac death related?

Answer 4

cardiac syncope is associated with 1-yr sudden cardiac death rates of up to 40%

Question 5

how should syncope be diagnosed?

Answer 5

cardiac etiologies: holter monitors or event recorded, ECGs, stress tests,
neurological: tilt table testing

Question 6

how is it commonly treated?

Answer 6

depends on etiology

beta-blockers for rate control