Differential Diagnosis for Recurrent Syncope
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Vasovagal Syncope: This is the most common cause of syncope, especially in young individuals. It is characterized by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, often triggered by stress, pain, or prolonged standing.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Orthostatic Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can be due to dehydration, medication, or autonomic dysfunction.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias: Conditions like supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or ventricular tachycardia can lead to syncope due to inadequate cardiac output.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened, which can obstruct blood flow and lead to syncope.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aortic Stenosis: A severe narrowing of the aortic valve, which can lead to syncope, heart failure, and even death if not treated promptly.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage of an artery in the lungs, which can cause syncope due to sudden onset of hypoxia and decreased cardiac output.
- Cardiac Tumors: Rare tumors like atrial myxoma can obstruct blood flow and lead to syncope.
- Subclavian Steal Syndrome: A condition where the subclavian artery is narrowed or blocked, leading to syncope due to decreased blood flow to the brain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Long QT Syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects the heart's electrical system, leading to abnormal heart rhythms and syncope.
- Brugada Syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects the heart's electrical system, leading to abnormal heart rhythms and syncope.
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause episodes of high blood pressure, leading to syncope.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse: A condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, which can lead to syncope in rare cases.