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New Studies Discuss Prevalence of Syncope while Driving
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Category: NewsWASHINGTON, DC, May 12, 2003 - Two new studies on the incidence of syncope (loss of consciousness) while driving and the frequency of sleep apnea (breathing disorder) in patients implanted with pacemakers will be released here this week at NASPE/Heart Rhythm Society's 24th Annual Scientific Sessions on May 14-17. "The findings in the syncope study may lead us to safer driving and less injury for drivers with pacemakers as well as others on the road who may be in danger," said Stephen C. Hammill, M.D., program chair of the NASPE/Heart Rhythm Society meeting and director of Heart Rhythm Services for Mayo Clinic. The syncope study aimed to determine the prevalence, patient characteristics, and risk predictors of those who faint or lose consciousness while behind the wheel. After examining a group of 3,879 cardiac patients who have experienced syncope both while driving and not driving, researchers found clinical characteristics and predictors of patients who are more likely to experience syncope while driving. One out of 10 patients experienced syncope during driving, and 29 percent suffered significant injury. The sleep apnea study monitored 52 patients implanted with pacemakers to determine the prevalence of sleep apnea in those patients and their quality of life. In pacemaker patients with or without heart failure, 60 percent experienced sleep apnea syndrome that is often underdiagnosed. The researchers concluded that sleep apnea syndrome in pacemaker patients should be systematically detected due to the high risk of cardiovascular complications that accompany it. The NASPE/Heart Rhythm Society's 24th Annual Scientific Sessions are May 14-17 at the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Pl., NW in Washington, DC. The meeting includes more than 100 sessions and new studies on dozens of topics such as gene therapy and pacemakers in children and infants. Most of the world's leading experts in pacing and cardiac electrophysiology join more than 6,000 attendees.
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