Efficacy of orthostatic self-training in medically refractory neurocardiogenic syncope.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Orthostatic self-training is effective in the prevention of neurocardiogenic syncope, though the success of this method in drug refractory patients has not been reported. STUDY OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: This study examined the effectiveness of orthostatic self-training in 15 patients with head-up tilt testing (HUT)-inducible neurocardiogenic syncope, who were intolerant of, or refractory to standard drug therapy. They were enrolled in a home orthostatic self-training program for up to 30 min/session, twice daily. Head-up tilt testing was repeated within 4 weeks after onset of the training program, using the same protocol as at baseline. Orthostatic self-training was continued once daily, for up to 30 min, for a mean follow-up period of 11 months, in the drug-free state.

RESULTS:

Syncope was not reinducible by follow-up HUT, and spontaneous syncope occurred in no patient during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Home orthostatic self-training, up to 30 min once daily following an initial twice daily program, was highly effective in the suppression of recurrent neurocardiogenic syncope in patients intolerant of, or refractory to standard drug therapy.

• Authors: Haruhiko Abe, Kiyotaka Kohshi, Yasuhide Nakashima
• Journal: Clinical and experimental hypertension (New York, N.Y. : 1993) (Clin Exp Hypertens) Vol. 25 Issue 8 Pg. 487-93 (Nov 2003) ISSN: 1064-1963 [Print] England
• PMID: 14649306 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Exercise
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Posture
• Self Care
• Syncope, Vasovagal (physiopathology, prevention & control)