Tilt-induced cardioinhibitory syncope: a follow-up study in 16 patients

Clin Auton Res. 2012 Jun;22(3):155-60. doi: 10.1007/s10286-011-0153-3. Epub 2011 Dec 15.

Abstract

Introduction: The exact clinical and prognostic significance and the therapeutic implications of asystole induced by head-up tilt test are still a matter of debate.

Methods: We assessed, by means of a semi-structured interview, the long-term outcome of cardioinhibitory syncope in all the patients who presented a tilt-induced sinus arrest of more than 3 s in our Autonomic Unit between 1996 and 2010.

Conclusions: Although syncopal recurrences were common, tilt-induced asystole did not imply a poor prognosis in terms of death or major therapeutic procedures.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart / innervation
  • Heart / physiopathology*
  • Heart Arrest / diagnosis
  • Heart Arrest / mortality*
  • Heart Arrest / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Syncope, Vasovagal / diagnosis
  • Syncope, Vasovagal / mortality*
  • Syncope, Vasovagal / physiopathology*
  • Tilt-Table Test / adverse effects*
  • Tilt-Table Test / methods
  • Young Adult