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Heart Rhythm Jun 2018In part I of this study, we found that the classical studies on vasovagal syncope, conducted in fit young subjects, overstated vasodilatation as the dominant hypotensive... (Review)
Review
In part I of this study, we found that the classical studies on vasovagal syncope, conducted in fit young subjects, overstated vasodilatation as the dominant hypotensive mechanism. Since 1980, blood pressure and cardiac output have been measured continuously using noninvasive methods during tilt, mainly in patients with recurrent syncope, including women and the elderly. This has allowed us to analyze in more detail the complex sequence of hemodynamic changes leading up to syncope in the laboratory. All tilt-sensitive patients appear to progress through 4 phases: (1) early stabilization, (2) circulatory instability, (3) terminal hypotension, and (4) recovery. The physiology responsible for each phase is discussed. Although the order of phases is consistent, the time spent in each phase may vary. In teenagers and young adults, progressive hypotension during phases 2 and 3 can be driven by vasodilatation or falling cardiac output. The fall in cardiac output is secondary to a progressive decrease in stroke volume because blood is pooled in the splanchnic veins. In adults a fall in cardiac output is the dominant hypotensive mechanism because systemic vascular resistance always remains above baseline levels.
Topics: Electrocardiography; Hemodynamics; Humans; Syncope, Vasovagal; Tilt-Table Test
PubMed: 29246828
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2017.12.013 -
Heart Rhythm Jun 2015
2015 heart rhythm society expert consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of postural tachycardia syndrome, inappropriate sinus tachycardia, and vasovagal syncope.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome; Societies, Medical; Syncope, Vasovagal; Tachycardia, Sinus
PubMed: 25980576
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2015.03.029 -
JACC. Clinical Electrophysiology Jan 2023Treatment of cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope (VVS) is difficult. Recently, cardioneuroablation (CNA) has emerged as a new therapeutic option. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Treatment of cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope (VVS) is difficult. Recently, cardioneuroablation (CNA) has emerged as a new therapeutic option.
OBJECTIVES
This study sought to assess the effects of CNA on syncope recurrences in patients with VVS.
METHODS
This study was a prospective, open, randomized, controlled, investigator-initiated trial comparing CNA versus optimal nonpharmacologic therapy in patients with cardioinhibitory VVS. Patients were included if they had documented symptomatic cardioinhibitory or mixed VVS and positive atropine test. CNA was performed using radiofrequency ablation of the ganglionated plexi from the left and right atria. Follow-up lasted 2 years. Primary endpoint was time to first syncope recurrence. Secondary endpoints included changes in sinus rhythm and heart rate variability measured in Holter electrocardiography at baseline and 3, 12, and 24 months after CNA, as well as changes in quality of life at baseline and after completion of follow-up.
RESULTS
A total of 48 patients (17 male, mean age 38 ± 10 years, 24 in CNA group, 24 in control group) entered the study. The primary endpoint occurred in 2 patients (8%) from the CNA group versus 13 control patients (54%) (P = 0.0004). After CNA the mean sinus rhythm at 24-hour Holter electrocardiography was significantly faster and heart rate variability parameters significantly changed toward parasympathetic withdrawal compared with baseline values. Quality of life significantly improved in the CNA group (30 ± 10 points vs 10 ± 7 points; P = 0.0001), whereas it remained stable in control patients (31 ± 10 points vs 30 ± 10 points; P = 0.5501).
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first randomized study documenting efficacy of CNA in patients with cardioinhibitory VVS. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. (Cardioneuroablation for Reflex Syncope [ROMAN]; NCT03903744).
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Heart Rate; Syncope, Vasovagal; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Reflex
PubMed: 36114133
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2022.08.011 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Nov 2022Due to technological advancements in miniaturization of instruments and improved optics, the number of office hysteroscopic procedures has increased over time. Office... (Review)
Review
Due to technological advancements in miniaturization of instruments and improved optics, the number of office hysteroscopic procedures has increased over time. Office hysteroscopy is preferred due to avoidance of general anesthesia and decreased overall cost. Vasovagal syncope has been implied as the most common complication. Vasovagal syncope is associated with inappropriate reflex vasodilation and bradycardia in the setting of an acute malfunction between the autonomic nervous system and the cardiovascular system; however, there is no mortality associated with vasovagal syncope. A management strategy for acute vasovagal reflex during office hysteroscopy is proposed in order to manage this common complication.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Syncope, Vasovagal; Hysteroscopy; Autonomic Nervous System; Bradycardia; Hypotension
PubMed: 36422165
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58111626 -
JACC. Clinical Electrophysiology Feb 2022
Topics: Humans; Syncope, Vasovagal; Tilt-Table Test; Touch
PubMed: 35210070
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2021.11.006 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2019This clinical case report presents synchronous physiological data from an individual in whom a spontaneous vasovagal reaction occurred without syncope. The physiological...
This clinical case report presents synchronous physiological data from an individual in whom a spontaneous vasovagal reaction occurred without syncope. The physiological data are presented for three main phases: Baseline (0-200 s), vasovagal reaction (200-600 s), and recovery period (600-1200 s). The first physiological changes occurred at around 200 s, with a decrease in blood pressure, peak in heart rate and vastus lateralis tissue oxygenation, and a drop in alpha power. The vasovagal reaction was associated with a progressive decrease in blood pressure, heart rate and cerebral oxygenation, whilst the mean middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity and blood oxygen saturation remained unchanged. Heart rate variability parameters indicated significant parasympathetic activation with a decrease in sympathetic tone and increased baroreflex sensitivity. The total blood volume and tissue oxygenation index (TOI) dropped in the brain but slightly increased in the vastus lateralis, suggesting cerebral hypoperfusion with blood volume pooling in the lower body part. Cerebral hypoperfusion during the vasovagal reaction was associated with electroencephalography (EEG) flattening (i.e., decreased power in beta and theta activity) followed by an EEG high-amplitude "slow" phase (i.e., increased power in theta activity). The subject developed signs and symptoms of pre-syncope with EEG flattening and slowing during prolonged periods of symptomatic hypotension, but did not lose consciousness.
PubMed: 31920485
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01315 -
Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy :... Jul 2014The emphasis on high-school blood drives and acceptance of 16-year-old blood donors led to more research on physiologic and psychological ways to decrease vasovagal... (Review)
Review
The emphasis on high-school blood drives and acceptance of 16-year-old blood donors led to more research on physiologic and psychological ways to decrease vasovagal reaction rates in young blood donors and to increase donor retention. Research on how to accomplish this has been advantageous for the blood collection industry and blood donors. This review discussed the current situation and what can be done psychologically, physiologically, and via process improvements to decrease vasovagal reaction rates and increase donor retention. The donation process can be significantly improved. Future interventions may include more dietary salt, a shorter muscle tension program to make it more feasible, recommendations for post-donation muscle tension / squatting / laying down for lightheadedness, more donor education by the staff at the collection site, more staff attention to donors with fear or higher risk for a vasovagal reaction (e.g. estimated blood volume near 3.5 l, first-time donor), and a more focused donation process to ensure a pleasant and safer procedure.
PubMed: 25254024
DOI: 10.1159/000364849 -
Pediatrics Jan 2018Orthostatic intolerance (OI), having difficulty tolerating an upright posture because of symptoms or signs that abate when returned to supine, is common in pediatrics.... (Review)
Review
Orthostatic intolerance (OI), having difficulty tolerating an upright posture because of symptoms or signs that abate when returned to supine, is common in pediatrics. For example, ∼40% of people faint during their lives, half of whom faint during adolescence, and the peak age for first faint is 15 years. Because of this, we describe the most common forms of OI in pediatrics and distinguish between chronic and acute OI. These common forms of OI include initial orthostatic hypotension (which is a frequently seen benign condition in youngsters), true orthostatic hypotension (both neurogenic and nonneurogenic), vasovagal syncope, and postural tachycardia syndrome. We also describe the influences of chronic bed rest and rapid weight loss as aggravating factors and causes of OI. Presenting signs and symptoms are discussed as well as patient evaluation and testing modalities. Putative causes of OI, such as gravitational and exercise deconditioning, immune-mediated disease, mast cell activation, and central hypovolemia, are described as well as frequent comorbidities, such as joint hypermobility, anxiety, and gastrointestinal issues. The medical management of OI is considered, which includes both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic approaches. Finally, we discuss the prognosis and long-term implications of OI and indicate future directions for research and patient management.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Child; Female; Humans; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Incidence; Male; Orthostatic Intolerance; Pediatrics; Postural Balance; Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Syncope, Vasovagal; Tilt-Table Test
PubMed: 29222399
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-1673 -
Hellenic Journal of Cardiology : HJC =... 2008
Review
Topics: Age Factors; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Risk Factors; Syncope, Vasovagal
PubMed: 18459461
DOI: No ID Found -
Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic &... Nov 2020Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common clinical manifestation characterized by a significant fall in blood pressure with postural change and is frequently accompanied... (Review)
Review
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common clinical manifestation characterized by a significant fall in blood pressure with postural change and is frequently accompanied by debilitating symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. The reported prevalence of OH ranges between 5 and 10% in middle-aged adults with a burden that increases concomitantly with age; in those over 60 years of age, the prevalence is estimated to be over 20%. Unfortunately, the clinical course of OH is not necessarily benign. OH patients are at an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes including death, falls, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, syncope, and impaired quality of life. The differential diagnosis of OH is broad and includes acute precipitants as well as chronic underlying medical conditions, especially of neurological origin. Appropriate diagnosis relies on a systematic history and physical examination with particular attention to orthostatic vital signs, keeping in mind that ambient conditions during diagnostic testing may affect OH detection due to factors such as diurnal variation.
Topics: Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome; Syncope, Vasovagal
PubMed: 32805514
DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2020.102713