Pacing may not prevent neurocardiogenic syncope: the importance of correct diagnosis.

Abstract

A 28-year-old female with frequent attacks of syncope showed high degree atrioventricular (AV) block in Holter's electrocardiographic monitoring. A permanent pacemaker (VVIR) was implanted. However, the syncope recurred despite the normally-functioning pacemaker. The syncope associated with hypotension and bradycardia was reproduced by upright posture for 8 min. This neurocardiogenic syncope was prevented by propranolol (30 mg/day). Neurocardiogenic syncope should be ruled out before pacemaker implantation in patients with syncope, particularly in young adults with no apparent symptom/electrocardiography correlation.

• Authors: C C Ko, Z Y Hou, C W Chiou, C Y Chen
• Journal: International journal of cardiology (Int J Cardiol) Vol. 43 Issue 2 Pg. 207-9 (Feb 1994) ISSN: 0167-5273 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 8181876 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Propranolol

Topics

• Adult
• Bradycardia (complications, diagnosis)
• Electrocardiography, Ambulatory
• Female
• Heart Block (complications, diagnosis, therapy)
• Humans
• Hypotension, Orthostatic (diagnosis, etiology)
• Pacemaker, Artificial
• Propranolol (therapeutic use)
• Syncope (etiology, therapy)