Impairment of driving abilities in patients with supraventricular tachycardias

From a practical viewpoint, the findings of this study are that, whereas syncope may occur and can result in impairment in driving ability, voluntary restriction of driving is uncommon. Additionally, no clinical or electrophysiologic characteristic other than a history of syncope was particularly helpful in identifying patients potentially at risk. Physicians encountering patients with supraventricular tachycardias and symptoms, such as syncope or presyncope, are encouraged to inquire specifically about impairment of driving abilities and participation in other activities where transient loss of consciousness is likely to result in harm to the patient and others. Fortunately, curative therapy with radiofrequency catheter ablation appears to be highly successful in preventing recurrence of symptoms in this group of patients.