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It is important to remember that syncope is a symptom that can be caused by many different factors. When it comes to treatment, there is no "one size fits all" approach. This is why a diagnosis is important - therapies must be aimed at treating the underlying cause of syncope.
Depending on the diagnosis, syncope may be stopped or controlled with one or more of the following therapies:
Treatments for Cardiovascular Syncope
- Insertion of a pacemaker is the most common treatment for syncope caused by a too-slow heartbeat (bradycardia). The pacemaker continuously monitors the heart's natural rhythm. It delivers an electrical impulse to stimulate (pace) the heart's muscle contractions if the heart rate drops below a certain number of beats per minute.
Treatment for a too-fast heartbeat (tachycardia) depends on whether it occurs in the upper chambers (atria) or lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. These treatments may include: |
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An ICD is a small device that is implanted under the skin to prevent deadly heart rhythms.
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Medication to control irregular heart rhythms or underlying disease. [more on medication]
- Catheter ablation (CA). In this procedure, one or more flexible, thin tubes (catheters) are introduced under x-ray guidance into the blood vessels and directed to the heart muscle. A burst of radiofrequency energy heats and destroys very small areas of tissue that give rise to abnormal electrical signals. [more on catheter ablation]
- Cardioversion is a controlled, electric shock that is delivered to restore the heart's normal rhythm. [more on cardioversion]
- An Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a pacemaker-like device that continually monitors the heart, and delivers a life-saving shock if a dangerous heart rhythm is detected. The device significantly improves survival in certain groups of patients who are at high risk of a deadly heart rhythm disorder called ventricular fibrillation (VF). VF is the primary cause of sudden cardiac death. [more on ICD]
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