Citation

Martínez P, Pilar Sáez M, Rubio JA, Cánovas E, Esteban E, Botas J. Rev. Esp. Geriatr. Gerontol. 2014; 49(3): 121-124.

Vernacular Title

Experiencia con el uso del registrador implantable de eventos en una serie de personas mayores con caídas y sospecha de síncopes de origen arrítmico.

Affiliation

Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, España.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.regg.2013.07.005

PMID

24548525

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience on using an implantable loop recorder (ILR) in patients with recurrent falls, when an arrhythmogenic cause is suspected. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational study of patients with repetitive unexplained falls, suspected syncope, or electrocardiographic abnormalities. All of them had been evaluated by a cardiologist, who decided to implant a loop recorder (ILR) for an accurate diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients received an ILR. The average falls rate for the sample was 3.3. The mean age was 78 years, and 46% were female, with a mean follow-up period of 24 months. During this time, three patients did not suffer from a new fall. An arrhythmogenic diagnosis was obtained in 5 patients: bradycardia was identified in 4 cases, and tachycardia in one of them. The symptoms did not coincide with a documented arrhythmia in the rest of the patients. CONCLUSION: ILR is a helpful tool to establish an arrhythmogenic cause of unexplained and recurrent falls, in this selected sample of older adults.

Language: es