Epidemiology

Syncope is estimated to account for approximately 1% of emergency department visits in the US and Europe.[11][12][13] The estimated cumulative lifetime incidence of syncope is 35%.[14] It tends to peak in frequency in young adults and then again in older people.[15]

Vasovagal syncope is the most common cause of syncope.[16] Most studies suggest that women (especially younger women) are more susceptible to vasovagal faints, although reporting bias may play a role, as young men may be less inclined to report such events.

The highest frequency of syncope is in patients with cardiovascular comorbidity and in older patients ages >70 years.[17][18] In older people, the quoted prevalence figures for syncope are probably an underestimate, because historic features may be less clear-cut and up to 20% of these patients have amnesia.

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