Cardiology Conference-CVC 2026

Syncope is an acute, transient loss of consciousness and postural tone, usually resulting from a transient decrease in cerebral blood flow. Although generally innocuous, syncope may sometimes herald underlying cardiac or neurological disease, such that correct diagnosis and prompt management are essential.

The most common syncope types are vasovagal (neurally mediated) syncope, which is caused by stress, pain, or standing for a long time; orthostatic hypotension, due to orthostatic decrease in blood pressure when standing; and cardiac syncope due to arrhythmias, structural heart disease, or conduction disorders. Syncope caused by the heart has a greater risk of morbidity and mortality and needs to be evaluated early.

Diagnosis is initiated by a thorough history, physical examination, and investigation of precipitating and prodromal symptoms. Electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, tilt-table testing, and extended cardiac monitoring are used to identify the underlying cardiac etiology, while laboratory studies can exclude metabolic or systemic causes.

Management varies based on the underlying etiology. Vasovagal and orthostatic syncope can be treated with lifestyle changes, hydration, and physical counterpressure maneuvers. Cardiac syncope usually necessitates more aggressive interventions, including medications, catheter ablation for arrhythmias, or device therapy such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).

Preventive measures target risk reduction, education of patients, and follow-up to avoid recurrence and complications. As diagnostic technology has improved and targeted therapy has developed, syncope treatment has become safer and more efficient, enhancing quality of life for patients and reducing the potential for serious cardiac events.