Syncope Flashcards
common in who?
elderly, increases w/ age
high risk features
- hx of structural heart disease
- abnormal EKG
- > 60 y/o
most common cause of syncope?
vasovagal
prognosis is favorable unless there is what?
accompanying cardiac disease
what is neurally mediated syncope?
- syncope due to excessive vagal tone or impaired reflex control peripheral circulation
3 types of neurally mediated syncope
- vasovagal syncope
- carotid sinus hypersensitivity
- situational syncope
neurally mediated syncope
what is vasovagal syncope caused by typically?
caused by a stressful, painful, or claustrophobic experience
neurally mediated syncope
what is carotid sinus hypersensitivity caused by?
stimulation of abnormally sensitive carotid body, with subsequent abnormal vagal response
neurally mediated syncope
what does carotid sinus hypersensitivity result in?
- bradycardia
- arterial relaxation/dilation
neurally mediated syncope
pathophys of situational syncope?
enhanced vagal tone w/ resulting hypotension
neurally mediated syncope
what causes situational syncope?
- coughing
- sneezing
- micturition
- exercise
Orthostatic/Postural Hypotension
describe
v basic
- BP drops upon standing
Orthostatic/Postural Hypotension
common in who?
4 groups of pts
- pts with autonomic neuropathy
- blood loss/hypovolemia
- pts taking vasodilators, diuretics, adrenergic-blocking medications
- more common in elderly pts
Orthostatic/Postural Hypotension
pathophys
failure of the vasoconstrictive response to changing to an upright position
Orthostatic/Postural Hypotension
when are sx most likely to occur?
- in the early morning
- after heavy meals
- w/ prolonged standing
- when core body temp rises