The outcome of head up tilt test in older adults with typical versus atypical features of syncope

ABSTRACT

Background: Syncope is usually a benign condition preventable by simple measures. Its diagnosis by history and inexpensive tests like head-up tilt table (HUTT) test save the patient unnecessary expenditure and stress. Objectives: To determine the outcome of head-up tilt test in older adult patients aged 60 years and more who present with typical versus atypical history of syncope, along with a study of the prodromal symptoms, association with comorbid burden, medications, grip strength, and cognitive function. Materials and Methods: An observational study of the patients presenting to the department of geriatrics with a history of neurocardiogenic syncope from May 2017 to October 2017 undergoing HUTT test looked at the association of the type of syncope based on the history and outcome of their HUTT test and association with prodromal symptoms, comorbidities, medications, triggering factors, electrocardiography, and Holter. Conclusions: The HUTT positivity rate for patients with a history of syncope was 31.8% with no association between typical or atypical syncope and HUTT positivity. Dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, and sweating were significantly associated with typical syncope. No comorbidity or medication had an association with syncope or HUTT response but the comorbid burden had a significant association with positive HUTT response.