Recent studies suggest
vasovagal syncope has a significant heritable component indicating that, at least some forms of
vasovagal syncope may have a genetic cause. The beta1-
adrenergic receptor is a key
cell surface signaling
protein expressed in the
heart and major determinant of cardiac function. The
role of
genetics in the phenotypic manifestations of
vasovagal syncope is unclear. Here, we
report the characteristics of several
families with several affected members with
vasovagal syncope, as well as the results of several genetic studies exploring the
prevalence of polymorphisms in the beta1
adrenergic receptors which may be associated with
vasovagal syncope.