Effectiveness of physical counterpressure maneuvers in preventing vasovagal syncope: the Physical Counterpressure Manoeuvres Trial (PC-Trial).

Abstract in brief

• This study evaluates whether physical counterpressure maneuvers (PCM) can effectively prevent vasovagal syncope (fainting), particularly in daily life, showing that training patients to perform these maneuvers significantly reduces syncope recurrence compared to standard therapy alone.
• The results demonstrate that patients trained in PCM experienced fewer episodes, with a 39% reduction in recurrence risk over an average follow-up of 14 months, and no adverse events were reported, suggesting PCM is a safe, low-cost, and effective first-line treatment for vasovagal syncope with prodromal symptoms.
• The study supports using PCM as a practical medical approach for controlling vasovagal syncope, highlighting its potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce fainting episodes in real-world settings.]