The Cardiovascular
ToolsCalculators

San Francisco Syncope Rule

Predicts 7-day serious outcomes after ED syncope (CHESS criteria).

San Francisco Syncope Rule
History of congestive heart failure
Hematocrit <30%
Abnormal ECG (new changes or non-sinus rhythm)
Complaint of shortness of breath
Triage systolic BP <90 mmHg
Result0 of 5 criteria positive

No criteria present — low risk for a serious outcome within 7 days.

When to use

  • Risk-stratifying ED patients presenting with syncope or near-syncope for serious short-term outcomes.

Formula

High risk if any one of 5 criteria (CHESS) present: CHF history, Hematocrit <30%, abnormal ECG, Shortness of breath, Systolic BP <90 mmHg.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • External validation performance has varied substantially (sensitivity 74-98%) across populations.

References

  1. Quinn JV, et al. Ann Emerg Med. 2004;43(2):224-32.