cardiovascular disorders
Syncope
Geriatrics Essentials: Syncope
The most common cause of syncope in older adults is postural hypotension due to a combination of factors. Factors include rigid, noncompliant arteries, reduced skeletal muscle pumping of venous return due to physical inactivity, and degeneration of the sinoatrial node and conduction system due to progressive structural heart disease. In older adults, syncope often has more than one cause. For example, the combination of taking several heart and blood pressure drugs and standing in a hot church during a long or emotional service may lead to syncope even though no single factor might cause syncope. 