Neuroautonomic evaluation of patients with unexplained syncope: incidence of complex neurally mediated diagnoses in the elderly.

Background: The incidence of syncope increases in individuals over the age of 70 years, but data about this condition in the elderly are limited. Little is known about tilt testing (TT), carotid sinus massage (CSM), or supine and upright blood pressure measurement related to age or about patients with complex diagnoses, for example, those with a double diagnosis, ie, positivity in two of these three tests.

Methods: A total of 873 consecutive patients of mean age 66.

[Evaluation of "complex syncope: what are the indications for second-level investigations?].

Syncope is a common symptom accounting for 1.1% of all admissions to the emergency department in Italy. Diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with syncope may be complex and with a major impact on health expenditure.