Neurocardiogenic syncope
Article Abstract:
Neurocardiogenic syncope is fainting or swooning associated with low blood pressure and slow heartbeat. Unlike cardiac syncope, it is not caused by a serious cardiovascular disease and has a favorable prognosis. It was presumed that implantation of a pacemaker to prevent slowing of the heartbeat would be an effective treatment for neurocardiogenic syncope. However, in a 1993 study of patients with recurrent syncope associated with low blood pressure and slow pulse, average blood pressure dropped markedly and most patients still had syncope or presyncope despite cardiac pacing. This is because even when the heart rate remains stable during the attack, there is significant dilation of the blood vessels causing blood pressure to fall. Cardiac pacing fails to correct the inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system that causes the dilation. Patients with suspected neurocardiogenic syncope should be diagnosed using upright-tilt testing, and treatment should be with the drugs metoprolol and disopyramide.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1993
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Technical merit
Article Abstract:
Innovations in sports equipment such as brighter and bigger tennis balls and lighter and bigger rackets are making sports easier for participants. Purists do not like this as they feel the challenge is diminished.
Publication Name: Vogue
Subject: Fashion and beauty
ISSN: 0042-8000
Year: 2001
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Cellulitis
Article Abstract:
Cellulitis is a superficial skin infection often caused by poor circulation. The symptoms of cellulitis are described and its care and treatment is discussed.
Publication Name: Mayo Clinic Health Letter
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0741-6245
Year: 2001
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