Prediction of Vasovagal Syncope Based on Interoceptive Awareness and Anxiety Sensitivity

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Vasovagal syncope is the most common type of syncope. Recurrent vasovagal syncope can have a profound effect on the patients’ quality of life. This study aims to predict vasovagal syncope based on interoceptive awareness and anxiety sensitivity of patients. Methods: This is an analytical and case-control study. The study population consists of patients with vasovagal syncope referred to Tehran Heart Center in 2021. Fifty patients with vasovagal syncope and 54 healthy individuals were selected by a purposive sampling method. Data collection tools included Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness and Anxiety Sensitivity Index. Data analysis was performed by logistic regression analysis in SPSS software, version 22. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The Hosmer-Lemeshow test results (χ2=8.9, P=0.346) showed the good fit of the model. According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the coefficient of determination was -0.074 for the anxiety sensitivity and 0.018 for the interoceptive awareness. Conclusion: For patients with vasovagal syncope, the measures for increasing their interoceptive awareness and reducing anxiety sensitivity, can be helped for reducing their syncope.

Keywords

• syncope
• interoception
• anxiety