Table 1.
Predictors of high-risk syncope on univariate analysis in the derivation cohort (n = 231)
| Variable | Syncope without adverse events (n = 192) N (%) |
Syncope with adverse events (n = 39) N (%) |
P |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age > 58 | 68 (35.4) | 32 (82.1) | < 0.001 |
| Presence of tachycardia | 23 (11.9) | 9 (23.0) | > 0.05 |
| Presence of tachypnea | 5 (2.6) | 9 (23.1) | < 0.001 |
| Ortostatism | 6 (3.1) | 8 (20.5) | < 0.001 |
| Co-morbidity | 91 (47.4) | 33 (84.6) | < 0.001 |
| Polypharmacy | 77 (40.1) | 31 (78.5) | < 0.001 |
| Abnormal physical examination finding | 17 (8.9) | 13 (33.3) | < 0.001 |
| History of coronary artery disease | 19 (9.9) | 11 (28.2) | < 0.005 |
| Presence of a prodrome | 37 (19.3) | 19 (48.7) | < 0.001 |
| Abnormal ECG | 31 (16.1) | 28 (71.8) | < 0.001 |
| History of congestive heart failure | 9 (4.7) | 13 (33.3) | < 0.001 |
| Haematocrit < 30% | 6 (3.1) | 6 (15.4) | < 0.01 |
| Presence of dyspnea | 3 (1.6) | 7 (17.9) | < 0.001 |
| Presence of palpitations | 15 (7.8) | 8 (20.5) | < 0.05 |
| Syncope on exertion | 13 (6.8) | 10 (25.6) | < 0.005 |
| Syncope when supine | 5 (2.6) | 7 (17.9) | < 0.001 |
| Any positive finding on auscultation | 4 (2.1) | 8 (20.5) | < 0.001 |
| Abnormal ECG rhythm | 8 (4.2) | 8 (20.5) | < 0.005 |
| Wide QRS | 2 (1.0) | 5 (12.8) | < 0.005 |
| Abnormal ST (depression/elevation) | 3 (1.6) | 6 (15.4) | < 0.001 |
| Abnormal cardiac axis on ECG | 10 (5.2) | 7 (17.9) | < 0.05 |
| Presence of atrioventricular block | 4 (2.1) | 7 (17.9) | < 0.001 |
| Known precipitating cause for syncope | 96 (50) | 34 (87.2) | < 0.001 |
ECG: electrocardiogram