Syncope in patients with structural heart disease

Syncope is a common condition. It is frequently due to a benign cause, but may occasionally be due to a potentially life-threatening disorder. The presence of structural heart disease in patients with syncope is associated with a poor prognosis and may be a predictor of sudden cardiac death. In patients who present with syncope, the presence of structural heart disease and primary electrophysiological disorders should be considered and further cardiac evaluation performed as indicated by the clinical history, physical examination and electrocardiographic findings.