Risk factors for reflex syncope in the British Army

Reflex syncope in the UK Armed Forces is reportedly higher than comparable militaries and civilian populations and is significantly more common in soldiers who take part in State Ceremonial and Public Duties (SCPD) compared with other British Army service personnel (SP). This study aimed to investigate individual susceptibility factors for syncope in soldiers who regularly take part in SCPD.

A retrospective cohort study was performed in 200 soldiers who perform SCPD. A questionnaire was undertaken reviewing soldiers' medical history and circumstances of any fainting episodes. A consented review of participants' electronic primary healthcare medical record was also performed. Participants were divided into two groups (syncope, n=80; control, n=120) based on whether they had previously fainted.

In the syncope group orthostasis (61%) and heat (35%) were the most common precipitating factors. The most common interventions used by soldiers were to maintain hydration (59%) and purposeful movements (predominantly 'toe wiggling'; 55%). 30% of participants who had previously fainted did not seek definitive medical attention. A history of migraines/headaches was found to increase the risk of reflex syncope (OR 8.880, 1.214-218.8), while a history of antihistamine prescription (OR 0.07144, 0.003671-0.4236), non-white ethnicity (OR 0.03401, 0.0007419-0.3972) and male sex (OR 0.2640, 0.08891-0.6915) were protective.

This is the first study, in the British Army, to describe, categorise and establish potential risk factors for reflex syncope. Orthostatic-mediated reflex syncope is the most common cause in soldiers who regularly perform SCPD and this is further exacerbated by heat exposure. Soldiers do not use evidence-based methods to avoid reflex syncope. These data could be used to target interventions for SP who have previously fainted or to prevent fainting during SCPD.