The Economics of Treating Vasovagal Syncope

The economics of treating vasovagal syncope depends on the severity of attacks. In patients with syncope without warning in whom injury is a consideration, a correctly chosen cardiac pacemaker may be warranted. Based on a recent appraisal of the cost effectiveness of dual versus single chamber pacing, it is possible to estimate the economic value of cardiac pacemakers for vasovagal syncope. Findings indicate that an economic argument favors pacing patients with severe vasovagal syncope. However, prospective study examining syncope recurrence rates in paced and nonpaced patients is not currently available.