From Mechanism to Management in Vasovagal Syncope: An Integrative Review.
7 affiliations
- 1Departamento de Fisiologia, NOVA Medical School (NMS), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal.
- 2Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal.
- 3Serviço de Cardiologia Pediátrica, Hospital de Santa Marta, ULS de São José, 1169-024 Lisbon, Portugal.
- 4Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa (CCUL), 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal.
- 5Arrhythmology Unit, Cardiology Department, Hospital de Santa Marta, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Lisboa Central, 1169-024 Lisbon, Portugal.
- 6Institute of Physiology and Cardiovascular Autonomic Function Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-28 Lisbon, Portugal.
- 7Medicine ULisboa for Health, Clinical Research and Innovation (MUHCRI), FMUL, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Vasovagal syncope is the most common subtype of reflex syncope and a frequent cause of transient loss of consciousness. Although its prognosis is generally benign, recurrent episodes can cause injury, restrict daily activities, and impair quality of life; patients who remain symptomatic despite first-line measures present a therapeutic challenge. This review integrates current evidence on mechanisms, prediction, and treatment, examining whether arterial-pressure defence and baroreflex behaviour provide a useful physiological framework. Methods: We conducted a narrative integrative review of PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to June 2026, prioritising randomised trials, meta-analyses, major observational studies, guidelines and multi-society statements. No formal risk-of-bias assessment or de novo quantitative synthesis was undertaken. Results: Current evidence supports a dynamic failure of cardiovascular compensation during orthostatic stress, with variable contributions from impaired vasoconstrictor support and cardioinhibition. Laboratory haemodynamic and autonomic markers may anticipate tilt-test outcome, but this should not be equated with prediction of spontaneous clinical recurrence. Tilt training may modify vasoconstrictor reserve and baroreflex indices, although clinical efficacy varies with protocol and adherence. Therapeutic options extend from counter-pressure manoeuvres and selected pharmacological agents to pacing in highly selected patients with documented clinically relevant asystole; cardioneuroablation remains an emerging intervention. Conclusions: The haemodynamic phenotype may inform treatment selection but should not be used as a stand-alone indication for invasive therapy. We propose an evidence-informed, mechanism-based model of care, incorporating patient-reported outcomes, shared decision-making and cautious evaluation of emerging predictive and interventional approaches.
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BibTeX
@article{laranjo2026from,
title = {{From Mechanism to Management in Vasovagal Syncope: An Integrative Review.}},
author = {Sérgio Laranjo and Mário Martins Oliveira and Isabel Rocha},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.3390/jcm15197360},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42881822},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - From Mechanism to Management in Vasovagal Syncope: An Integrative Review.
AU - Sérgio Laranjo
AU - Mário Martins Oliveira
AU - Isabel Rocha
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/22
JO - Journal of clinical medicine
DO - 10.3390/jcm15197360
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42881822
AB - Background/Objectives: Vasovagal syncope is the most common subtype of reflex syncope and a frequent cause of transient loss of consciousness. Although its prognosis is generally benign, recurrent episodes can cause injury, restrict daily activities, and impair quality of life; patients who remain symptomatic despite first-line measures present a therapeutic challenge. This review integrates current evidence on mechanisms, prediction, and treatment, examining whether arterial-pressure defence and baroreflex behaviour provide a useful physiological framework. Methods: We conducted a narrative integrative review of PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to June 2026, prioritising randomised trials, meta-analyses, major observational studies, guidelines and multi-society statements. No formal risk-of-bias assessment or de novo quantitative synthesis was undertaken. Results: Current evidence supports a dynamic failure of cardiovascular compensation during orthostatic stress, with variable contributions from impaired vasoconstrictor support and cardioinhibition. Laboratory haemodynamic and autonomic markers may anticipate tilt-test outcome, but this should not be equated with prediction of spontaneous clinical recurrence. Tilt training may modify vasoconstrictor reserve and baroreflex indices, although clinical efficacy varies with protocol and adherence. Therapeutic options extend from counter-pressure manoeuvres and selected pharmacological agents to pacing in highly selected patients with documented clinically relevant asystole; cardioneuroablation remains an emerging intervention. Conclusions: The haemodynamic phenotype may inform treatment selection but should not be used as a stand-alone indication for invasive therapy. We propose an evidence-informed, mechanism-based model of care, incorporating patient-reported outcomes, shared decision-making and cautious evaluation of emerging predictive and interventional approaches.
SN - 2077-0383
ER -