Introduction: We evaluated the importance of multiple tests performed on patients (p) who entered a syncope unit (SU).
Methods: From September 2004 to November 2011, 377 p. were admitted to the SU. Male (57.8%). Average age (67.2 ± 18.5 years). Following our diagnostic algorithm previously published, patients were risk stratified into three groups: low risk (LR), intermediate risk (IR) or high risk (HR). LR patients were discharged home. IR patients had eventually echocardiogram (Echo), upright tilt test (TT), stress-echo (S-Echo) and Holter monitoring.
Results: The cause of syncope was established in 93% of the patients (definitive diagnosis 41%, presumptive diagnosis 52%). Neurally mediated (NM) in 56% and arrhythmic (A) in 25.8%. In the HR group the most frequent cause was A (56.3%). In IR group NM was more prevalent (64.4%). The rate of recurrent syncope was 29.7%.
Conclusions: A SU streamlines the diagnostic approach to syncope, enhancing diagnostic yield and potentially reducing unnecessary testing and admissions