Determinants of a positive response to carotid sinus massage and head-up tilt testing.

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) are common causes of syncope in older people. The aim of this study was to determine if patient's age, sex and presenting symptoms influence the result of carotid sinus massage and head-up tilt testing.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of the database and reports was carried out between 1995 and 2006 at a tertiary referral centre.