Syncope in the Older Person

Syncope in the older person carries a high morbidity, mortality, and health economic burden. While neurally mediated disorders and orthostatic hypotension account for the majority of syncopal episodes in this age group, around a third of causes are cardiac, predominantly arrhythmic. Clinicians need to be aware of the management of potential comorbid issues such as osteoporosis and cognitive impairment and if not in a position to act on them, ensure that appropriate specialist help is sought. Further work is needed to understand the pathophysiology and hence the management of syncope in the older patient, with ongoing studies helping to tease out some of the treatment controversies.