Swiss medical weekly
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In cases with a history of swallow syncope, an ECG should immediately be taken during ingestion of solid or liquid food in order to determine the rhythm disturbances responsible for the syncopes. Both esophageal passage and cardiac diagnosis are indicated, since, as shown in the literature, pathologic findings are not uncommon. The triad syncope, bradyarrhythmia while swallowing is considered to be an indication for definitive electrostimulation (pacemaker implantation) unless, exceptionally, halting digitalis medication puts an end to the syncopes.