Syncope

Urgent

Syncope demands structured risk stratification. The immediate question is whether this was reflex syncope or a warning sign for arrhythmia, structural heart disease, GI bleed, PE, or another unstable cause.

Red flags

Syncope during exertion or while supine
Abnormal ECG, chest pain, dyspnoea, or palpitations
Family history of sudden cardiac death
Recurrent unexplained syncope or associated major trauma

Common causes to keep in the differential

Reflex / vasovagal syncope

Orthostatic hypotension

Arrhythmia

Structural heart disease

Seizure mimic / psychogenic events

Linked MedVellum pathways

Syncope

Urgent

Core adult syncope approach and initial management.

Open topic

Syncope evaluation

Urgent

Risk stratification and investigation strategy.

Open topic

Atrial fibrillation

Urgent

Arrhythmia-focused pathway when palpitations or irregular pulse are present.

Open topic

Next practical steps

Pair history, exam, vitals, and ECG early.
Use syncope and AF/cardiology topics for structured workup.
Escalate when the story suggests cardiac syncope or major injury risk.

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Use MedVellum search when the presentation is mixed, atypical, or you need a broader differential before narrowing into a topic page.

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