[Update ESC Guideline Syncope 2018]

Abstract

Syncope is one of the most frequent mode of hospital visits in the emergency department. A broad range of causalities and healthcare economic efficiency have demanded reasonable road maps for diagnostic procedures and hospital admission of patients with syncope. Recent advances and multidisciplinary assessments provided the basis of the updated 2018 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of syncope. While the definitions of syncope remain unchanged these updates state risk stratification in the emergency department with clear diagnostic paths and monitoring in the current era with portable devices. The algorithm for reflex syncope therapy, indication for cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in high-risk patients for sudden cardiac death were modified. Finally, the updated guidelines recommend an establishment of "syncope-unit" with multidisciplinary involvement.