Is there a ECG marker for recent syncope ?
Yes . This was classically described many decades ago. Following a Stokes -Adam attack when the patient recovers from the loss of consciousness a peculiar ECG pattern was observed.
A typical ECG from our CCU
The mechanism is not clear.It can be due to
1. Repolarisation abnormalities due to ischemia.
2.Acute adenergic surge triggered due to transient cessation of circulation* .
3.CNS injury and extreme vagal with drawl
4.Hypokalemia
* Thought to be the major mechanism
Out come
The ECG is more dramatic .The physician is usually more tense than the patient !
It is often benign .Prompt pace maker implantation is required.
Reference
Dr.S.Venkatesan MD 