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Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research
Published in: Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research 3/2020

01-06-2020 | Sudden Cardiac Death | Review Article

Syncope in the Young Adult and in the Athlete: Causes and Clinical Work-up to Exclude a Life-Threatening Cardiac Disease

Authors: Flavio D’Ascenzi, Alessandro Zorzi, Carlotta Sciaccaluga, Umberto Berrettini, Sergio Mondillo, Michele Brignole

Published in: Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research | Issue 3/2020

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Abstract

Syncope is defined as a transient loss of consciousness due to cerebral hypoperfusion, characterized by a rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery. It is usually a benign event, but sometimes it may represent the initial presentation of several cardiac disorders associated with sudden cardiac death during physical activity. A careful evaluation is essential particularly in young adults and in competitive athletes in order to exclude the presence of an underlying life-threatening cardiovascular disease. The present review analyzes the main non-cardiac and cardiac causes of syncope and the contribution of the available tools for differential diagnosis. Clinical work-up of the athlete with syncope occurring in extreme environments and management in terms of sports eligibility and disqualification are also discussed.
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Metadata
Title
Syncope in the Young Adult and in the Athlete: Causes and Clinical Work-up to Exclude a Life-Threatening Cardiac Disease
Authors
Flavio D’Ascenzi
Alessandro Zorzi
Carlotta Sciaccaluga
Umberto Berrettini
Sergio Mondillo
Michele Brignole
Publication date
01-06-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 1937-5387
Electronic ISSN: 1937-5395
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12265-020-09989-0

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