Shen and Gersh listed risk factors that can distinguish high from low risk syncope. This can help identify patients who may benefit from closer monitoring and more aggressive management. The authors are from the Mayo Clinic and Georgetown Medical Center.
Parameters:
(1) age
(2) heart disease
(3) electrocardiogram
(4) resultant injuries
(5) onset
Parameter
High Risk Syncope
Low Risk Syncope
age
older
younger
heart disease
present (see below)
absent
electrocardiogram
abnormal (see below)
normal
resultant injuries
serious
none or minor
onset
abrupt with little or no warning; palpitations; after exertion or emotional upset
