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Design and use of a quantitative scale for measuring presyncope
Robert S Sheldon1, Joseph E Amuah, Stuart J Connolly
1Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. sheldon@ucalgary.ca
Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
|April 17, 2009
Summary
The Calgary Presyncope Form (CPF) measures vasovagal syncope symptoms. Metoprolol did not significantly reduce presyncope frequency, duration, or severity in patients with vasovagal syncope.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Vasovagal syncope is a prevalent condition causing significant distress.
- Presyncope is a key symptom, yet lacks standardized clinimetric measures.
- The Calgary Presyncope Form (CPF) was developed to quantify presyncope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Calgary Presyncope Form (CPF).
- To evaluate the efficacy of metoprolol in reducing presyncope in vasovagal syncope patients.
Main Methods:
- The CPF assesses frequency, duration, and severity of presyncope.
- Participants in the Prevention of Syncope Trial (POST) completed the CPF.
- POST was a randomized trial comparing metoprolol to placebo.
Main Results:
- The CPF demonstrated high completion rates (84-87%) and stability over time.
- Presyncope occurred with a median frequency of 1.2 spells/day, moderate severity, and 10-minute duration.
- No significant differences in presyncope dimensions were observed between metoprolol and placebo groups.
Conclusions:
- The 3-dimensional CPF is a reliable and valid tool for measuring presyncope.
- Metoprolol was not found to be effective in reducing presyncope in this patient population.
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