What Tests Help Diagnose Syncope?
What Tests Help Diagnose Syncope?
Diagnostic Tools
Diagnosing syncope involves a series of tests to identify the root cause. Learn what tests are commonly used and what they reveal.
Contents
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiography
- Additional Evaluations
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An ECG is a key test for diagnosing syncope and involves monitoring the heart's electrical activity. It can reveal arrhythmias and other heart conditions that might cause syncope.
Echocardiography
Echocardiography uses ultrasound to create images of the heart, helping identify structural issues. This test is crucial if heart disease is suspected as a cause of syncope.
Additional Evaluations
Depending on initial results, further tests like ambulatory ECG monitoring might be used. These tests provide more detailed information about heart rhythms over time.
FAQs
What is an ECG?
An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart.
Why is echocardiography important?
It helps detect structural heart problems that could cause syncope.
Are there tests beyond ECG and echocardiography?
Yes, additional tests like ambulatory ECG can be used for more detail.
What do these tests show?
They reveal heart rhythms and structural issues that might cause syncope.
Key Insights
These diagnostic tests are essential in pinpointing the cause of syncope.
Additional References
- Sarasin FP, Junod AF, Carballo D, et al. Heart 2002; 88:363.
- Albassam OT, Redelmeier RJ, Shadowitz S, et al. JAMA 2019; 321:2448.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.