Syncopal attack

Syncope is another word for fainting or passing out someone is considered to have syncope, if they became unconscious and go limp, then soon recover. For most people syncope occur once in a great while, of even and is not a sign of serious illness.

However in other syncope can be the first and only warning sign prior to an episode of sudden cardiac death. Syncope can also lead to serious injury.

Causes of Syncope

• Arrhythmia – due to heart rhythm abnormality, it can be fast or slow heart beat
• Aortic dissection – a tear in the larger artery
• Aortic valve stenosis
• Reflex syncope
• Vasovagal syncope – is most common, not harmful
• Postural orthostatic tachycardia

It is brief lack of consciousness due to various causes.

Symptoms

• Palpitation
• Lightheadness
• Fatigue
• Loss of consciousness

Diagnosis of Syncope

Based on clinical examinations and tests. It is important to identify the causes of syncope, if possible to rule out dangerous heart conditions. Depending on your symptoms and circumstances the following test may be used to find the cause

• ECG.
• EKG
• Execute stress test.
• 2D Echo / TEE (Transesophageal Echocardiogram)
• Tilt table test.
• Electrophysiology Study.
• Holter study
• Event recorder
• Cardiac autoimmune fractal test

How is Syncope Treated?

• It depends on underlying conditions
• Medically, with life style changes
• Catheter ablation
• Pacemaker
• Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator