Síncope: Un enfoque pragmático

syncope is defined as transient loss of consciousness associated with a loss of postural tone and spontaneous recovery due to temporarily arterial hypotension and reduced cerebral blood flow. is a frequent clinical problem and in the general population the most common benign cause of syncope is neurocardiogenic (neurally mediated, vasodepressor, vasovagal syncope), followed by primary arrhytmias. on the other hand, the most severe causes are cardiovascular in origin and are associated with a high rate of mortality in patients with underlying heart disease, transient myocardial ischemia, and other less common cardiac abnormalities. in most patients, the cause of syncope can be determined with great accuracy from a careful history, a physical examination, and an electrocardiogram although the mechanism of syncope remains unexplained in 40 % of episodes