Syncope Caused by Cough‐Induced Complete Atrioventricular Block

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Abstract
Cough syncope is a well‐recognized syndrome in which loss of consciousness follows a bout of prolonged coughing. The pathophysioiogy of this syndrome has been attributed to lowered cerebral perfusion pressure consequent on an increased intrathoracic pressure, which lowvers cardiac output (by a Valsalva mechonism) and impairs cerebral venous return. We report a case of cough‐induced syncope in which ECG monitoring showed that coughing produced paroxysmal atrioventricular block with ventricular asys tole. Such a case has not previously been documented. (PACE, Vol. 5, July‐August, 1982)