Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors as Primary Therapy for Carotid Sinus Hypersensitivity
Amos Katz, Angel Kantor, Alexander Battler
Cardiology Dept., Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba
Carotid sinus syndrome is a well-recognized cause of unexplained syncope in older patients, and may lead to significant morbidity due to trauma from falls. Dual chamber pacing has been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms due to bradycardia, but not due to vasodepressor response. We report an 84-year-old man with recurrent syncope due to carotid sinus hypersensitivity. He was treated only with a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor and was symptom-free after 3 weeks of therapy. He has remained symptom-free for the past year.