关键词: 晕厥; 心律失常; 肺栓塞; 老年人

Abstract: Objective To summarize common etiology and characteristics of syncope among elderly patientswith the aim of correcting diagnosis and management of elderly syncope, and improving theirsurvival and quality of life in the future.Methods Sixty-seven inpatient and outpatient elderly patients, aged≥60 years old from Jan. 2007to Dec. 2010 were envolled. Detailed medical history and completed physical examinatin wereobtained, corresponding syncope appraisal process were performed, adding specific exams whennecessary to analyse the causes of elderly syncope patients.Results Mean age is 74±8 years old. Forty-four cases are male(65.67%), twenty-three cases arefemale(34.32%). Twenty cases out of 67 were diagnosed with neurally-mediated syncope(29.95%),among which 11 cases are vasovagal syncope, 5 cases are due to cough and micturition, and 4 casesare caused by carotic sinus syndrome. Arrhythmias induced 22 cases of syncope(32.83%), of whichpersistent ventricular tachycardia is accounted for 2 cases, high grade and complete heart blockare the cause for 10 cases, 4 syncope cases are due to sick sinus syndrome, fast-slow syndromewith atrial fibrillation are the cause for 3 cases, fast atrial fibrillation induced syncope are 3 cases.Syncope related to coronary ischemia are 5 cases(7.24%). Pulmonary embolism related syncopeare 10 cases(14.92%), 3 of which is relevant to post surgery and malignant tumor. Orthostatichypotension are 10 cases(14.92%), 6 of which is induced by medication.Conclusion Although the most common etiology of elderly syncope is neurally-mediated. Elderlysyncope attributed to arrhythmias, pulmonary embolism, and orthostatic hypotension is not rare.Syncope caused by severe acute coronary heart disease is very likely in elderly patents with multiplecardiovascular diseases risk factors.

Key words: Syncope; arrhythmia; pulmonary embolism; Aged