Syncope guidelines

1. How do you rule out syncope?
2. What is high risk syncope?
3. Does syncope cause brain damage?
4. What causes syncope and collapse?

How do you rule out syncope?

How is syncope diagnosed?

1. Laboratory testing: Blood work to check for anemia or metabolic changes.
2. Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): A test that records the electrical activity of your heart. ...
3. Exercise stress test: A test that uses an ECG to record your heart's electrical activity while you are active.

What is high risk syncope?

Patients were only classified as high risk if they presented with classic “red flags” for severe disease – family history of sudden cardiac death, exertional syncope, active chest pain or palpitations, or ECG evidence of conduction abnormalities.

Does syncope cause brain damage?

Vasovagal syncope is the most common cause of fainting. It happens when the blood vessels open too wide and/or the heartbeat slows, causing a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain. It's generally not a dangerous condition.

What causes syncope and collapse?

Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness usually related to insufficient blood flow to the brain. It's also called fainting or "passing out." It most often occurs when blood pressure is too low (hypotension) and the heart doesn't pump enough oxygen to the brain.