Classification of syncope-producing cardiac arrhythmias

Syncope is a clinical syndrome that is a subset of a broader range of conditions that cause sudden and temporary loss of consciousness, from which recovery is spontaneous. The causes of syncope can be grouped into four major categories: neurologic, metabolic, vasomotor and cardiac. Of these, only cardiac syncope commonly leads to sudden death. There are two major groups of cardiac syncope: obstructive cardiac lesions and cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac arrhythmias represent most common cause and can be subdivided in bradycardias and tachycardias. The aim of this article is to provide a clear overview of syncope-producing cardiac arrhythmias.