IBHRE Syncope and Autonomic Disorders 1

Question 1

What is the most common type of syncope in the general population?

Accepted Answer

Vasovagal syncope

Answer

Vasovagal (neurally mediated) syncope accounts for approximately 50% of all syncope cases and is the most prevalent form.

Question 2

Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a sustained reduction in systolic blood pressure of at least how many mmHg within 3 minutes of standing?

Accepted Answer

20 mmHg

Answer

Orthostatic hypotension requires a drop of ≥20 mmHg in systolic BP or ≥10 mmHg in diastolic BP within 3 minutes of standing.

Question 3

The cardioinhibitory type of vasovagal syncope is primarily characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Significant bradycardia or asystole with minimal hypotension

Answer

Cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope is defined by predominant bradycardia or asystole with relatively preserved blood pressure until near loss of consciousness.

Question 4

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity is diagnosed when carotid sinus massage produces a ventricular pause of at least:

Accepted Answer

3 seconds

Answer

A ventricular pause of ≥3 seconds during carotid sinus massage defines the cardioinhibitory form of carotid sinus hypersensitivity.

Question 5

POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) is defined by a heart rate increase of at least how many beats per minute upon standing within 10 minutes, without orthostatic hypotension?

Accepted Answer

30 bpm

Answer

POTS requires an increase in heart rate of ≥30 bpm (or HR ≥120 bpm) within 10 minutes of standing without a concurrent drop in blood pressure ≥20 mmHg.

IBHRE - International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners Practice Test

IBHRE - International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners Practice Test

IBHRE Syncope and Autonomic Disorders 1