Via practica 2/2014

Syncope in older people – specific aspects and controversy

Syncope in elderly people has specific characteristics compared to younger age groups. Differentiation between syncope (short-lasting loss of consciousness) and fall (without loss of consciousness) is difficult, there is some overlap between two symptoms. Specific features of syncope in elderly people comprise multifactorial etiology, frequent atypical manifestations and high number of comorbidities. Most frequent type of syncope in high age is reflex and orthostatic syncope, however, the occurrence of cardiac syncope with unfavourable prognosis is increased compared to young patients. Syncope in elderly has higher mortality than in young age. High age influences the compliance to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, which should be modified.

Keywords: syncope, falls in elderly, geriatrics, diagnosis, therapy.