Neurally Mediated Syncope

Syncope is a common presenting condition. Pacemaker implantation can significantly reduce syncope recurrences in reflex syncope. However, despite careful selection, a substantial proportion of patients treated with pacemakers suffer recurrences of syncope. It is thought that a pronounced vasodepressor component may hinder the efficacy of pacing in patients, preventing adequate cerebral perfusion during the reflex, thus relativizing the anti-bradycardia function of the pacemaker to prevent syncope. It is hypothesised that the time elapsed from the actual loss of consciousness to the asystole recorded on the ECG during Tilt Table Test may be predictive in terms of response to pacemaker therapy, so this parameter becomes the subject of the present study.