Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a decrease in bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood flow to the brain. It can have multiple causes, which vary depending on the individual and the circumstances.
Read more: Syncope or loss of consciousnes
Orthostatic syncope
This type of fainting occurs when bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure drops upon standing up from a lying or seated position.
The phenomenon is caused by gravity, which pulls bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood into the veins of the legs, temporarily reducing the amount of bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood returning to the heart. As a result, bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure decreases.
Have you ever felt...
Most of us have experienced a brief feeling of lightheadedness after standing up too quickly. In most cases, the body quickly corrects the situation through automatic regulation mechanisms that restore bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure to normal.
However, if this response is too slow or not strong enough, bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure can fall significantly, leading to a brief loss of consciousness — known as syncope or fainting.
Once the person is on the ground, gravity no longer impedes blood flow back to the heart. The bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood that had pooled in the legs naturally redistributes toward the chest, which helps restore consciousness quickly.
This type of episode is more common in older adults, whose physiological response mechanisms may weaken over time.
Link with Certain Medications or Medical Conditions
Orthostatic syncope can also be triggered by certain medications, such as bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure-lowering drugs (antihypertensives), diuretics, or some psychiatric medications.
It may also occur in people with diseases that affect the autonomic nervous system — like diabetes or Parkinson’s disease — or in cases of dehydration, which reduces bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood volume and makes it harder for the body to regulate bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure.
What Tests Might Be Ordered?
As a first step, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is often prescribed. This test records the heart’s electrical activity and helps detect any irregularities in heart rhythm.
A cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) is then used to assess the structure and function of the heart. It provides images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and movement.
Finally, a 24-hour Holter monitor, which continuously records the heart’s rhythm over a full day, can offer valuable insights into how the heart behaves during everyday activities.
A More Specific Diagnosis
Orthostatic syncope is confirmed when a noticeable drop in bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure — typically more than 10 mmHg — is observed when a person moves from lying down to standing up.
This drop is often accompanied by warning symptoms such as dizziness, a feeling of lightness or unsteadiness, or general weakness — signs of a pre-syncope, meaning the body is close to fainting.
This simple test, performed in a medical setting, helps reproduce the mechanism behind the episode and clearly identify its cause.
What Are the Health Risks?
The main risk is injury from falling, especially if the syncope occurs in a dangerous environment or if the person cannot sit or lie down in time.
The Primary Risk: Falling
As with other types of syncope, the greatest danger linked to orthostatic syncope is the risk of injury from a sudden fall.
When loss of consciousness happens without warning, it can lead to mild or serious injuries — particularly if the person falls onto a hard surface, hits furniture, or is in an unsafe setting.
That’s why recognizing early warning signs and preventing these episodes is so important.
What Is the Treatment?
As with vasovagal syncope, the first and most important step when symptoms appear is simple: lie down on the ground as soon as the first signs of discomfort appear. This quickly restores bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood flow to the brain and helps prevent a potentially dangerous fall.
Certain physical maneuvers — such as crossing the legs and tensing the muscles — can also help maintain bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure in at-risk situations.
A Few Tips
For orthostatic syncope, changing positions carefully is essential. It’s highly recommended to move slowly from lying down to sitting, then wait a few minutes before standing. This gradual transition gives your body time to adjust your bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure, lowering the risk of fainting.
Doctors also assess underlying conditions, like diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, and may adjust current treatments — especially medications that could contribute to low bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure.
Staying well hydrated plays a key role in prevention: it’s advised to drink 2 to 3 liters of water per day, unless otherwise directed. In case of early symptoms, drinking a glass of cold water may help raise bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure.
For people with high bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure while lying down but low pressure when standing, slightly elevating the head of the bed (about 10 degrees) is often recommended.
This can be done by placing solid objects like bricks or books under the headboard. This gentle tilt helps reduce bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure when lying down and softens the drop when standing up.
Finally
If non-medication strategies are not enough, your doctor may consider prescribing treatments that help support bloodBlood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. White blood cells make up our immune defense system. Platelets contribute to blood pressure or adjust your existing medications to find a better balance.
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