Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyRandomised controlled trial
Using Compression Stockings to Prevent Recurrence of Vasovagal Syncope
- Randomised controlled trial
- multicentre
- parallel
- blinded
- sham-controlled
Authors' conclusion
Treating syncope with thigh-high lower limb compression using ECS did not reduce the cumulative incidence of VVS recurrence, and did not change VVS-free survival.
Study context
- Population
- Adults 18 to 65 years with ≥2 VVS episodes in the past year; all received standard care, no medications for VVS prevention
- Participants
- 266 adults
- Comparison
- Thigh-high active elastic compression stockings (ECS) vs sham ECS
- Treatmentn = 134
- Shamn = 132reference
- Primary endpoint
- Coprimary: proportion with ≥1 VVS recurrence; time to first VVS recurrence (VVS-free survival)
- Follow-up
- 12 months
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
≥1 VVS recurrence; time to first VVS recurrence (VVS-free survival) (coprimary)
Absolute risk reduction
5.7%
P = 0.315
Events by treatment group
- VVS-free survival not significantly different: HR 0.81 (95% CI 0.53-1.24)
- P = 0.333
Further findings
ECS discontinuation
Median
| Outcome | Treatment | Sham | P value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of recurrent VVS episodes · similar | 2.5 | 2 | P = 0.839 |
ECS discontinuation
- Discontinuation, duration of ECS use and adherence similar between groups; adherence suboptimal
VVS episodes occurring while actively wearing ECS
- Significantly fewer VVS episodes while actively wearing ECS: 32.7% vs 45.1%
- P = 0.024
Original publication
Using Compression Stockings to Prevent Recurrence of Vasovagal Syncope. J Am Coll Cardiol. Published 12 August 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2025.05.049
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it