From Mechanism to Management in Vasovagal Syncope: An Integrative Review.

Background/

Objectives

Vasovagal syncope is the most common subtype of reflex syncope and a frequent cause of transient loss of consciousness. Although its prognosis is generally benign, recurrent episodes can cause injury, restrict daily activities, and impair quality of life; patients who remain symptomatic despite first-line measures present a therapeutic challenge. This review integrates current evidence on mechanisms, prediction, and treatment, examining whether arterial-pressure defence and baroreflex behaviour provide a useful physiological framework.

Methods

We conducted a narrative integrative review of PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to June 2026, prioritising randomised trials, meta-analyses, major observational studies, guidelines and multi-society statements. No formal risk-of-bias assessment or de novo quantitative synthesis was undertaken.

Results

Current evidence supports a dynamic failure of cardiovascular compensation during orthostatic stress, with variable contributions from impaired vasoconstrictor support and cardioinhibition. Laboratory haemodynamic and autonomic markers may anticipate tilt-test outcome, but this should not be equated with prediction of spontaneous clinical recurrence. Tilt training may modify vasoconstrictor reserve and baroreflex indices, although clinical efficacy varies with protocol and adherence. Therapeutic options extend from counter-pressure manoeuvres and selected pharmacological agents to pacing in highly selected patients with documented clinically relevant asystole; cardioneuroablation remains an emerging intervention.

Conclusions

The haemodynamic phenotype may inform treatment selection but should not be used as a stand-alone indication for invasive therapy. We propose an evidence-informed, mechanism-based model of care, incorporating patient-reported outcomes, shared decision-making and cautious evaluation of emerging predictive and interventional approaches.