PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the typical onset of cardiac syncope?

1. Gradual

2. Sudden

3. Intermittent

4. Chronic

The correct answer is: Sudden

Cardiac syncope typically presents with a sudden onset. This is often due to an abrupt decrease in cardiac output or blood flow to the brain, which can occur in various conditions such as arrhythmias, structural heart disease, or episodes of severe bradycardia or tachycardia. Patients experiencing cardiac syncope usually report a rapid loss of consciousness without much warning, making it distinct from other types of syncope that may have a gradual onset or preceding symptoms. Gradual onset may suggest other causes of syncope, such as vasovagal syncope, where the individual may feel faint or lightheaded before losing consciousness. Intermittent episodes are also more characteristic of non-cardiac causes, while chronic syncope implies ongoing issues that do not align with the typically acute nature of cardiac-related loss of consciousness. Understanding these distinctions is important for accurately diagnosing and managing syncope in clinical practice.