Syncope in the elderly: An update

Publication date: September 2013 Source:Journal of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatrics, Volume 4, Issue 3 Author(s): Gilda Pirozzi , Gaetana Ferro , Assunta Langellotto , David Della-Morte , Gianlugi Galizia , Gaetano Gargiulo , Francesco Cacciatore , Andrea Ungar , Pasquale Abete Syncope in the elderly is an extremely prevalent clinical condition characterized by high mortality and presence of recurrences. The diagnosis of syncope in the elderly is sometimes difficult and multidimensional geriatric assessment should be carefully administered. Diagnostic algorithms should be applied with attention, although unknown syncope is still frequent. The therapeutic approach to syncope in the elderly is complicated by the high prevalence of neurally-mediated syncope, in which the therapeutic approach is still unknown. The establishment of a “Syncope Unit” has certainly improved the diagnostic-therapeutic approach to patients with syncope, especially in old age where the management is extremely difficult.

Source: Journal of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatrics - November 3, 2014 Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research