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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.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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