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Syncope and related symptoms are potentially worrisome in the athlete.
These, while often benign, symptoms can recur, be the cause for serious trauma and can portend risk for death.
Working closely with team physicians and the athlete, an arrhythmia consultant/electrophysiologist may be asked
to help evaluate the athlete with syncope and provide treatment options. Evaluation requires careful assessment
of the athlete’s symptoms and history. Most diagnoses are generally inferred from the history, physical and test
results. As the etiology for syncope may be difficult to define, an aggressive assessment, including
electrophysiology studies and angiography may be necessary. If no cause is detected, restriction from athletic
participation may be required, yet criteria for restriction is scant.
CONCLUSION. Syncope in the athlete can have a benign or a malignant course. Cardiac and arrhythmic
etiologies must always be considered, but, to arrive at a diagnosis, aggressive or repeat evaluations may be
needed. Restriction from athletics may be necessary. Guidelines to evaluate and restrict athletes with syncope
need to be refined.
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