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 consciousness
The vasovagal syncope
Vasovagal syncope belongs to the family of reflex syncope and is by far the most common type. It is estimated that one in four people will experience at least one episode of vasovagal syncope in their lifetime.
In most cases, it is triggered by:
- Prolonged standing, particularly in a warm environment.
- Intense emotional stress or sudden pain.
A typical example is a person who faints during a 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 draw. The sight 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 or the anticipation of the needle triggers an exaggerated reflex of the nervous system, leading to a sudden 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 and a loss of consciousness.
Warning Signs: Vasovagal Pre-Syncope
Before fainting, a person often experiences vagal symptoms, such as:
- Nausea
- Pallor
- Hot flashes
- Excessive sweating
- A sensation of extreme fatigue
This fatigue can persist after the syncope, sometimes lasting several hours.
What Tests May Be Ordered?
The diagnosis of situational syncope is primarily based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination. However, to rule out other possible causes, a few tests are commonly recommended.
The first is usually an electrocardiogram (ECG). This simple, non-invasive test records the heart’s electrical activity and helps detect any irregularities in heart rhythm.
Next, a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) is often performed. This test uses sound waves to produce images of the heart’s chambers, valves, and muscle movements, providing important information about the heart’s structure and overall function.
In some cases, a 24-hour Holter monitor may be prescribed. This small, portable device continuously records the heart’s rhythm over a full day, offering valuable insight into how the heart behaves during regular daily activities.
In some atypical cases, a tilt table test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
The Tilt Table Test
This test involves securing the patient to a table that gradually tilts to an angle of 60-70 degrees, placing them in an almost upright position. The goal is to reproduce symptoms and observe whether syncope occurs.
However, this test is rarely used, as the diagnosis of vasovagal syncope is usually clear based on the patient’s history and the circumstances of the fainting episode.
What Are the Health Risks?
Vasovagal syncope is benign. It does not cause any cardiac complications and is not a cause of mortality.
Although approximately one in four people will experience at least one episode of vasovagal syncope in their lifetime, only 5% will have more than five episodes.
The Main Risk: Falling
As with other types of syncope, the primary danger is the risk of injury due to falling. Depending on the circumstances, a sudden loss of consciousness can lead to trauma, especially if the person collapses onto a hard surface or in a hazardous environment (e.g., on stairs or while driving).
What Is the Treatment?
Anything that lowers 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 increase the risk of syncope. The main factors to monitor include:
- Dehydration
- Certain medications that lower 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
It is recommended to drink about 2 liters of fluids per day and not to restrict salt intake unless directed by a doctor.
Preventing Syncope and Injuries
Fortunately, the warning signs of pre-syncope usually last long enough for the person to react in time.
Sitting or lying down as soon as the first symptoms appear often helps 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 and prevent fainting or minimize the consequences of a fall.
- Why Does This Work?
When lying down, the blood that was “trapped” in the legs due to gravity can more easily return to the heart. This rapidly increases 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 and helps the person regain consciousness faster.
However, lying down is not always possible in every situation. Fortunately, there are simple maneuvers that can help prevent a 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 and potentially avoid syncope.
Simple Techniques to Prevent Syncope
Here are some easy techniques that can help prevent a syncope episode by momentarily increasing 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:
- Cross your legs and contract them firmly against each other in an isometric manner (without moving).
- Clasp your hands together in front of you and pull firmly without moving.
These methods are generally effective in preventing most syncopal episodes. Only a small minority of people suffering from vasovagal syncope require more advanced management.
Informing Those Around You
It is also helpful to inform close family and friends about the possibility of syncope. In case of pre-syncope, they can assist in preventing injuries by guiding you to a safe position.
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