Syncope in elderly patients

Abstract

The elderly are at increased risk for syncope not only because of physiologic changes due to aging but also because they have a higher incidence of chronic illness and use a greater number of medications that may cause orthostatic hypotension. Although evaluation should emphasize cardiovascular and neurologic components, the cause may remain elusive in as many as 50% of patients.

Epilepsy in the Elderly

“…The use of antihypertensive medications and diuretics predisposes the elderly to syncopal attacks and contributes to its frequency in this age group. 29 In addition, cardiac arrhythmias must also be considered. Additional tests such as Holter monitoring, tilt table testing, and carotid ultrasound may provide important diagnostic information.…”