March 1, 1997Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology
Cardiovascular Syncope Is the Most Common Cause of Drop Attacks in the Elderly
Key result
Clinical evaluation established a diagnosis in 71% of elderly patients with drop attacks, most commonly cardioinhibitory or mixed carotid sinus syndrome.
Why the study?
What are the underlying causes of drop attacks in elderly patients, and what is the diagnostic yield of routine hemodynamic investigation?
Population
35 consecutive elderly patients with drop attacks referred to a dedicated 'syncope and falls' center.
Design
Case_series
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
May support hemodynamic evaluation in elderly drop attacks; leaves open whether this improves outcomes or warrants routine adoption.
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=35)
Multicenter
No
Structured PICO
What are the underlying causes of drop attacks in elderly patients, and what is the diagnostic yield of routine hemodynamic investigation?
P
Population
35 consecutive elderly patients with drop attacks referred to a dedicated syncope and falls center.
E
Exposure
Diagnostic evaluation including investigation for hemodynamic changes during carotid massage and standing.
O
Outcome
Established diagnosis for the cause of drop attacks.
Cardiovascular syncope, particularly carotid sinus syndrome, is a frequent and often unrecognized cause of drop attacks in the elderly, highlighting the need for routine hemodynamic investigation.
Cite This Study
Dey et al. (1997) conducted an observational in Drop attacks (n=35). Clinical evaluation was evaluated on Established diagnosis. Clinical evaluation established a diagnosis in 71% of elderly patients with drop attacks, most commonly cardioinhibitory or mixed carotid sinus syndrome.