Pacing in vasovagal syncope
Graf, D.; Pascale, P.; Carroz, P.; Pruvot, E.
Revue Medicale Suisse 10(432): 1186-1189
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1660-9379 PMID: 24964526 Document Number: 672625
This article presents a critical review of the literature about the potential benefit of cardiac pacing in patients suffering from vasovagal or neurocardiogenic syncope. The manifestation of vasovagal syncope comprises some reflex bradycardia and vasoplegia resulting in cerebral hypoperfusion that ultimately leads to a loss of consciousness. The literature reports conflicting results of the potential benefit of cardiac pacing on the prevention of recurrence of vasovagal events. A detailed analysis of the inclusion criteria of these studies permits to clarify the discrepancy. Only patients older than 50 years with prolonged sinus pause at time of syncope benefit of the implantation of a cardiac pacemaker.