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Paroxysmal atrioventricular block induced during head-up tilt test
1Department of Cardiology, Jolimont Hospital, Haine-Saint-Paul, Belgium.
Acta Cardiologica
|June 23, 1999
Summary
A 71-year-old patient experiencing vasovagal near-syncope was treated with a dual chamber pacemaker for paroxysmal second-degree atrioventricular block. This case highlights the potential role of cardiac pacing in managing vasovagal symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Vasovagal syncope is a common cause of fainting.
- Atrioventricular (AV) block can cause syncope but is not typically associated with vasovagal responses.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old female presented with vasovagal near-syncope.
- Holter monitoring revealed paroxysmal second-degree AV block.
- Head-up tilt testing reproduced the AV block, suggesting a link to autonomic dysfunction.
Findings:
- The patient was successfully treated with a dual-chamber pacemaker.
- This intervention effectively managed both the atrioventricular block and vasovagal symptoms.
Implications:
- Cardiac pacing may be an effective, albeit unusual, treatment for select patients with vasovagal syncope associated with AV block.
- Further research is warranted to explore the role of pacing in managing complex vasovagal syndromes.