Prediction of Vasovagal Syncope based on Body Vigilance and Alexithymia Variables

Somayeh Ramesh; Mohammad Ali Besharat; Hamid  Soltanian-Zadeh; Reza Rostami; Ali  Vasheghani Farahani; Hojjatollah Farahani

doi:10.18502/ssu.v30i7.10754

Somayeh Ramesh Department of Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Ali Besharat Department of Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Hamid Soltanian-Zadeh School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Reza Rostami Department of Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Ali Vasheghani Farahani Department of Cardiology, Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Hojjatollah Farahani Department of Psychology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v30i7.10754

Keywords: Vasovagal syncope, Body Vigilance, Alexithymia

Abstract

Introduction: Vasovagal syncope is the most common type of syncope and recurrent syncope attacks can have a profound effect on the patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to predict vasovagal syncope based on the variables of body vigilance and alexithymia.

Methods: The present study was a case-control study. The statistical population of the present study included the patients with vasovagal syncope referred to Tehran Heart Center in the year of 1400. Fifty patients with vasovagal syncope and 54 healthy individuals were selected by purposive sampling. Data collection tools included the Body Vigilance Scale and Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Data analysis was performed by logistic regression analysis and using SPSS software version 16 at the level of 0.05.

Results: The results of the Hosmer-Lemeshow Test (P-value = 0.255, χ2 = 3.07) showed good model fit. According to the results of logistic regression test, the coefficient estimate for the alexithymia -0.053 and the body vigilance was -0.017.

Conclusion: Based on the results, in the patients with vasovagal syncope, by designing measures based on reducing body vigilance and alexithymia, they can be helped to improve and reduce syncope episode.