Head-up tilt: a useful test for investigating unexplained syncope.

摘要: Head-up tilt, a recognised stimulus to vasovagal syncope, was used investigate syncope that remained unexplained despite full clinical and electrophysiological assessment in fifteen patients, mean age 65 +/- 10 years, who had 15 19 episodes of over periods week 26 years. After overnight fast systolic blood pressure heart rate were continuously monitored during 40 degrees head-up tilt for 60 min. Ten control subjects with no history studied similarly. In ten patients (67%) one developed after 29 min (p less than 0.001). symptomatic fell from 150 32 56 9 mm Hg 0.001) 62 38 12 beats per 0.01). each case symptoms the test reproduced those previously experienced. No findings predicted development tilt. Baseline did not differ significantly between controls. Pacemakers implanted seven have symptom-free since implant (follow-up 3 mo).