OBJECTIVE: To investigate a possible familial predisposition in neurocardiogenic syncope. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey with 252 subjects, with positive familial history for syncope, who underwent head-up tilt-test (TT) at Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, between September 2001 and September 2005. The relationship between familial history for neurocardiogenic syncope and TT result was analysed. RESULTS: Familial history for neurocardiogenic syncope was identified in 40% (49/126 cases) of subjects with positive tilt-test results and 25% (31/126 ) of those with negative TT. CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between familial history for neurocardiogenic syncope and its occurence. A genetic component can possibly explain this relationship.
Syncope vasovagal; Hereditariety; Genetic predisposition
