Vasovagal syncope in medical students and their first-degree relatives

Abstract

Family history and sex of subject are important predictors of vasovagal syncope in offspring.

Influence of age and gender on the occurrence and presentation of reflex syncope

“…The age distribution of syncope in the general population is bimodal with a peak in teenagers and young adults, mainly found in females, followed by a peak in the elderly [13,26]. Despite this fact, a coherent evaluation of the respective occurrence of triggers, signs, and symptoms of reflex syncope for both age and gender has not been performed.…”

Genetics of the Faint-Hearted

“…1,2 In "young" patients, by far the most common cause of syncope is vasovagal syncope, with a well-characterized symptom complex and a benign natural history. 3,4 Hidden in the forest of vasovagal syncope are rare but more worrisome sentinel events that reflect more life-threatening arrhythmic disorders, particularly inherited arrhythmia syndromes such as long-QT syndrome (LQTS). 5 The genetics of these syndromes are now relatively clear.…”

“…3,6 Despite these findings, the role of genetic factors and the model of inheritance of vasovagal syncope are unknown.…”

Management of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia and Vasovagal Syncope

“…By age 60, 42 % of women and 32 % of men will have had at least one vasovagal faint, 45,46 and most patients faint recurrently. VVS is manifested in about 1-3 % of toddlers as syncope with reflex anoxia or breath holding, and the incidence begins to increase markedly around age 11 years.…”