Recurrent syncope in long survivors and its association with geriatric syndromes

• Published in: Aging medicine 2023-03, Vol.6 (1), p.49-55
• Main Authors: Bandhu, Kamal, Rao, Akshata, Nehra, Ashima, Dwivedi, Sada Nand, Chakrawarty, Avinash, Dey, Aparajit Ballav
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age; Blood pressure; Cardiac arrhythmia; Cardiovascular disease; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Cognitive ability; cognitive impairment; Comorbidity; Consciousness; Coronary vessels; Diabetes; Etiology; Fainting; Frailty; geriatric syndrome; Geriatrics; hearing impairment; heart disease; Heart rate; Hypertension; Hypotension; Malnutrition; Mental depression; multimorbidity; Neurodegeneration; Original; Regression analysis; syncope; Urinary incontinence; Variables; Vein & artery diseases
• ISSN: 2475-0360; 2475-0360
• DOI: 10.1002/agm2.12240

Objective Syncope is a common clinical condition in the elderly, associated with significant morbidity and risk of recurrence. Recurrent syncope causing a repeated reduction in the cerebral blood flow can predispose to progressive neurodegeneration, a decline in overall health and functionality. Hence, this study was conducted to study the common causes of recurrent syncope and its association with various geriatric syndromes. Methodology This case–control study recruited 50 cases of recurrent syncope and 50 controls, aged 75 years and older. A detailed history and sequential evaluation for aetiologies of recurrent syncope were done. Cognition, frailty, activities of daily living, depression, and nutrition were assessed using various scales. Results Most (80%, 80/100) of the participants were males and the mean age was 80.04 ± 4.3 years. In the syncope group, 42% (21/50) of patients had arrhythmia, and 30% (15/30) had valvular heart disease. Recurrent syncope was significantly associated with lower scores on Montreal cognitive assessment scale (OR: 6.47 P