Head-up tilt testing in older syncope patients: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In older syncope patients, medical histories are often less reliable due to retrograde amnesia and cognitive impairment. Therefore, additional tests may be needed to reach a diagnosis. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate positivity rates and safety of head-up tilt testing (HUTT) in these patients.

Methods

We searched Medline and Embase for HUTT positivity rates and diagnoses in older syncope patients (mean age ≥ 65 years) vs. younger patients. Secondary outcomes were time to syncope (TtS) and adverse events (AEs). Risk of bias was assessed with a modified version of the QUADAS-2.

Results

In total, 42 studies were included, with 12 378 older participants in total. Positivity rates varied widely [passive HUTT 0.0%-90.0%; isoproterenol (IPR)-HUTT 18.3

SUBMITTER: de Ruiter SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11982670 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature