Towards Understanding the Genetic Nature of Vasovagal Syncope

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Sep 24;22(19):10316. doi: 10.3390/ijms221910316.

Abstract

Syncope, defined as a transient loss of consciousness caused by transient global cerebral hypoperfusion, affects 30-40% of humans during their lifetime. Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of syncope, the etiology of which is still unclear. This review summarizes data on the genetics of VVS, describing the inheritance pattern of the disorder, candidate gene association studies and genome-wide studies. According to this evidence, VVS is a complex disorder, which can be caused by the interplay between genetic factors, whose contribution varies from monogenic Mendelian inheritance to polygenic inherited predisposition, and external factors affecting the monogenic (resulting in incomplete penetrance) and polygenic syncope types.

Keywords: candidate gene association studies; complex disorders; family studies; genetics; genome-wide studies; susceptibility; syncope; twin studies; vasovagal syncope.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics
  • Humans
  • Inheritance Patterns / genetics
  • Multifactorial Inheritance / genetics
  • Syncope, Vasovagal / genetics*