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A Review of Pathophysiology and Therapy of Patients with Vasovagal Syncope
Author(s) -
White C. Michael,
Tsikouris James P.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1592/phco.20.3.158.34786
Subject(s) - vasovagal syncope , medicine , serotonergic , pathophysiology , reuptake inhibitor , serotonin reuptake inhibitor , anesthesia , serotonin , intensive care medicine , cardiology , syncope (phonology) , receptor
Vasovagal syncope is a common disorder that can compromise quality of life and lead to significant morbidity. It is characterized by an initial exaggerated sympathetic output followed by parasympathetic activation and sympathetic withdrawal, as shown by diagnostic head‐up tilt (HUT) table testing. Numerous drugs have been evaluated for treating this disorder. β‐Blockers are well studied and commonly administered but are specifically more efficacious in patients with isoproterenol HUT than in those with regular HUT. The role of the serotonergic system has captured new interest. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors show promising results in preventing vasovagal syncope in treatment‐refractory patients. Also, new investigations suggest that serotonin receptor antagonism may be beneficial. Despite these findings, definitive treatment does not exist.