Syncope

bradycardia fainting

Last Updated December 20th, 2021

What is syncope?

Syncope is a medical term used to describe a person fainting. It usually happens when there isn’t enough blood flow to the brain. This occurs when the blood pressure is too low and the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen. Syncope is usually a symptom of an underlying medical problem.

Syncope is a very common condition. 3.5% women and 3% of men have syncope at some point in their life. It is more prevalent in older adults, with 6% of people over the age of 75 being affected by this condition.

How does syncope occur?

bradycardia faintingTo understand how fainting occurs, it is important to understand how the brain functions.

The brain requires constant blood flow for it to get oxygen and glucose. For a person to be awake, the reticular activating system, an area located in the brain stem, needs to be turned on. Also, at least one of the hemispheres in the brain needs to be active. Fainting occurs when the reticular activating system loses its blood supply or both the hemispheres of the brain are inactive due to them being deprived of oxygen or glucose.

Types of Syncope

There are several types of syncope and it usually depends on the underlying problem. Some of the most common ones are

Vasovagal syncope

This is the most common type of syncope. This happens when the body overreacts to certain triggers, such as shock, the sight of blood or emotional distress. The part of the nervous system that regulates heart rate and blood pressure malfunctions in response to these triggers.

This causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn leads to reduced blood flow in the brain. This results in a person briefly losing consciousness (less than a minute).  Some of the symptoms of vasovagal syncope include

  • Pale skin
  • Lightheadedness
  • Tunnel vision
  • Nausea
  • Feeling warm
  • Cold, clammy sweat
  • Yawning
  • Blurred vision

Vasovagal syncope is generally harmless and does not require any treatment. However, your doctor may recommend you more test to rule out other causes such as heart problems.

Situational syncope

stress, anxiety, depressionThis is a type of vasovagal syncope that occurs only in certain situations like

  • Having blood drawn
  • Straining while urinating or defecating
  • Coughing
  • Dehydration
  • Intense emotional stress
  • Anxiety
  • Fear
  • Pain
  • Hunger
  • Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
  • Hyperventilation (breathing too fast)

When faced with these triggers, the person feels nauseated, sweaty, and weak just before losing consciousness. Situational syncope happens due to something known as the vasovagal reaction, a reflex of the involuntary nervous system. The vasovagal reaction prompts the heart to slow down and the blood vessels in the legs to widen. As a result, less blood is pumped and most of the circulating blood is directed towards the legs. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, fainting occurs.

Postural syncope

Also known as postural hypotension, this type of syncope occurs when there is a drop in blood pressure due to a sudden change in position of the body (for example, when you suddenly get up from a lying position).

Postural syncope is characterized by a decrease in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mm Hg when a person stands up. Depending on the time taken for the blood pressure to drop, postural hypotension can be divided into three types

  • Vasovagal orthostatic hypotension: This happens almost suddenly
  • Classic orthostatic hypotension: This type happens within three minutes
  • Delayed orthostatic hypotension: This type happens gradually.

Postural syncope occurs due to delayed or absent constriction of the blood vessels of the lower body. Constriction in the lower blood vessels is required to maintain a normal blood pressure when the position of the body is changed to standing. When the constriction is delayed or absent, the blood in the legs takes a longer time to reach the heart and this decreases the blood flow to the brain. Postural syncope can also make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Neurologic syncope

This type of syncope happens due to a condition such as

  • Seizure
  • Stroke
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Other less common conditions that lead to neurologic syncope include

  • Migraines
  • Normal-pressure hydrocephalus

Causes

Syncope is often triggered by the vagus nerve, which connects the digestive system to the brain. Its main function is to regulate the blood flow to the abdominal region. When a person eats food, the vagus nerve directs more blood into the stomach and intestine. However, sometimes the vagus nerves can also trigger syncope by directing too much blood away from the brain. This can happen due to the following reasons.

Panic attack

Panic attacks are a common cause of syncope. During a panic attack, a person starts to hyperventilate (breathing faster and more deeply). When this happens, the body takes in too much oxygen and gets rid of too much carbon dioxide. When the carbon dioxide levels in the body become low, the blood vessels start to constrict and this leads to the reduced blood supply to the brain.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a condition that happens when the amount of fluids lost by the body exceeds the amount that is taken in. This may happen due to vomiting, diarrhea or increased urination due to an infection.  When dehydration occurs, the vagus nerve is stimulated and this leads to syncope.

Pain

Pain can stimulate the vagus nerve and is a common cause of fainting. Syncope generally occurs when the body does not feel it can tolerate pain. This is a defense mechanism that the body uses in case of intolerable pain.  Syncope resulting from pain differs from person to person due to each individual having his/her own level of pain tolerance.

Emotional distress

Syncope also happens when people are under extreme emotional distress. For example, a person may faint if he/she gets some upsetting news like the death of a loved one. It may also happen in the presence of certain triggers like medical students fainting while observing their first autopsy or surgery. The vagus nerve is stimulated by certain hormones which are released when the body is under emotional distress.

Shock

Shock is a serious state that results due to decreased blood flow to the brain and other important organs. Shock may result due to

  • Loss of blood
  • Severe allergy
  • Severe infection
  • Dehydration
  • Poisoning
  • Burns

Shock usually leads to unconsciousness due to the disruption in the blood flow to the brain.

Alcohol abuse

Many people faint after drinking a lot of alcohol. A rapid rise in the alcohol levels in the blood prompts the vagus nerve to induce syncope so not the intake is stopped. Fainting after drinking alcohol is a sign of serious intoxication. Alcohol also makes a person dehydrated (due to too much urination), dilates blood vessels and decreases blood pressure. All these results in syncope.

Anemia

Anemia is a condition that is used to describe a condition in which a person doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. There are several types of anemia. These are

  • Iron deficiency anemia.
  • Vitamin deficiency anemia
  • Anemia of chronic disease
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Anemias associated with bone marrow disease.
  • Hemolytic anemias.
  • Sickle cell anemia

When the anemia is severe, fainting occurs as they are not enough red blood cells to deliver oxygen to the brain.

Drugs

Illegal drugs and prescribed drugs can also lead to syncope due to dehydration or drops in blood pressure. Here are a few drugs that may make you faint.

  • Nitrates: These drugs lower blood pressure and this results in you fainting
  • Diuretics: These drugs make you urinate more and that can lead to dehydration, which in turn may lead to fainting.
  • Opiates: These drugs work by lower blood pressure and slowing breathing
  • Heart drugs: These also decrease blood pressure
  • High blood pressure drugs: These also lower blood pressure

Abnormal Heart Beat

The heart plays a vital role in maintaining blood pressure. The heart is the organ that is responsible for forcing blood through the arteries and veins. If the heart beats abnormally, it is unable to maintain the required blood pressure. This results in reduced blood flow to the brain, which in turns results in fainting.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of syncope is dizziness just before fainting. However, it may also have the following symptoms

  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Falling
  • drowsiness or grogginess
  • Weakness after eating or exercising
  • unsteadiness or weakness when standing
  • Changes in vision
  • Headaches

People often experience “premonitory symptoms” before a spell of syncope. These may include

  • Heart palpitations (irregular heartbeats)
  • Lightheaded
  • Nausea

Diagnosis

Although most cases of syncope are harmless, you should see a doctor if you faint without any reason. You may be referred to a syncope specialist for a complete evaluation

If you have syncope, you should see your doctor, who can refer you to a syncope specialist for a complete evaluation. He/she will begin by doing a physical exam after carefully evaluating your medical history. You will then be asked questions about your syncope episode or episodes.

You may need tests, including electrophysiology studies, autonomic nervous system testing, neurological evaluation, and computed tomography (CT) scan. Vestibular function testing may be done to rule out problems in the inner ear. If you need any additional testing, your doctor will explain them and why they are needed.

You may then have to do the following tests

  • Tilt Test: This test is done to determine the amount of blood in your body, and the flow in different positions. During this test, you will be put in a bed that tilts vertically. Your oxygen level, heart rate, electrical impulses in the heart and blood pressure is then recorded as you’re tiltedat different angles.
  • Blood tests: This is done to check for anemia or any other blood abnormalities.
  • Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): This test is done to check the electrical activity of the heart. During this test, electrodes are attached to the skin near your heart. These record the electrical activity of the heart.
  • Exercise stress test: This test involves a person walking on a treadmill or riding a static bike while the heart is monitored.
  • Ambulatory monitor: You will wear a monitor that uses electrodes to record information about your heart’s rate and rhythm.
  • Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to make a pictorial representation of the heart. During the test, a transducer (a wand-like substance) is kept near your chest. This device produces sound waves that are directed towards your heart. These sound waves bounce off your heart to produce an image that is processed electronically. This test can determine the heart is functioning normally.
  • Blood volume determination: This is a test done to see the amount of blood in your body based on your gender, height, and weight.
  • Hemodynamic testing: This test is done to determine the blood flow and the pressure inside your blood vessels.
  • Autonomic reflex testing: This is a series of tests that are done to monitor blood pressure, blood flow, heart rate, skin temperature and sweating in response to certain stimuli.

Treatment

Treatment will usually depend on treating the underlying disease that caused the syncope. However, you may be asked to follow these measures.

  • Make changes to certain medications that you are currently on
  • Improve blood circulation by wearing garments or compression stockings
  • Change your diet
  • Be careful while changing the position of the body
  • Elevate your head while sleeping
  • Avoid certain triggers that induce a syncope episode
  • Do biofeedback training to slow down the fast heart rate
  • Undergo treatment for heart problems
  • Get a pacemaker implanted to keep your heart rate steady

Presyncope

Presyncope is the term to refer to a state when a person almost loses consciousness, usually due to reduced flow of blood to the brain. Some of the symptoms of presyncope include

  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Vertigo
  • Blurry or narrowed vision
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Sweating
  • Heart palpitations
  • General abdominal discomfort
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Slurred speech

Presyncope is not that dangerous as the person doesn’t actually lose consciousness and the likelihood of injury is reduced. However, you should immediately see the doctor as presyncope may also be a sign of an underlying health condition.

How to help a person who has fainted?

You can help a person who has fainted by following these measures

  • If the person has not fainted but is showing the signs of syncope then help him/her lie down
  • Raise his/her legs by putting lifting their ankles to induce the blood flow back to the brain.
  • Try to wake the person up by tapping them or calling their name. You may also sprinkle some water on their face.
  • After he/she wakes up to tell them to lie down for at least 15-20 minutes.

Prevention

Although syncope is something that cannot be prevented, you can take certain measures to prevent it from happening.

  • If your fainting is caused by some triggers (for example, the sight of blood) try to avoid it.
  • If you feel lightheaded while standing up, move slowly while changing the position of your body.

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
  • Always loosen the victim’s clothing, especially if it is tight
  • Apply a moist towel to the victim’s face and neck
  • Remove the victim’s glasses (if he/she wears one)
Don'ts
  • Slap or shake someone who’s just fainted
  • Try to give the victim any food or drink
  • Don’t try to lift the victim
  • Allow the victim to get up right away after he/she recovers

 

 

 

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6 shocking consequences of bad oral hygiene (and how to avoid them) Did you know bad breath is not just turning off, but also harms your body in ways you…
aspartame or sugar
Aspartame – Hidden truths about this storm in a teacup Aspartame, the artificial sweetener, has gone under the scanner on several occasions for allegedly doing more harm than…
Dragon Fruit – Blessing from Nature’s Basket Dragon fruit is packed with nutrients but low on calories. It is the dream food that can help…
vital organ diseases
Common diseases that could cripple your vital organs Brain, heart, kidney, lungs, and liver - these vital organs are indeed vital for your survival. However, these…
Is it possible to achieve full body detox with Master Cleanse? Master cleanse is a diet consisting of a lemonade based beverage, a salt water drink and a herbal…
Hydroquinone: Is it the best topical treatment for hyperpigmentation? Darkening of the skin due to high melanin levels is called hyperpigmentation.  Hydroquinone interferes with melanin production thus treating…
Is bronchitis contagious? And how to prevent this infection? It is acute bronchitis that is contagious which means you can contract it from another person or you…
LFT-test
Liver Function Test – LFT LFT or Liver Function Test is a blood test used to determine the levels of hepatic enzymes which…
thyroid_scan
Thyroid Scan Thyroid scan is a diagnostic procedure that aims to view the thyroid gland and detect any growths or…
CEA_test
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test CEA or carcinoembryonic test detects the presence of CEA antigen in your blood mainly & determines the effectiveness…
free thyroxine ft4
Free thyroxine test (FT4) The FT4 or free thyroxine test is used to detect the level of free thyroxine of FT4 thyroid…
HSV-IgM test
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)-IgM Test The HSV-IgM class antibody is produced by the body a few days after an initial HSV infection and…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order to determine the…
Coconut sugar: What is it and is it healthier than table sugar? In the long list of things that the wonderful coconut gives us, coconut sugar is another remarkable addition.…
The Cabbage Soup Diet: The healthiest way to instant weight loss Cabbage soup diet rapid weight loss diet for those who want to shed those extra pounds in less…
Sputum test Sputum test is a commonly used diagnostic tool that is used to examine the presence of pathogens in…
17 OH Progesterone test The 17 OH progesterone test is a simple blood test that is mainly used to diagnose the cause…
copper serum test
Copper Serum Test Copper serum test checks for abnormal levels of copper in the body. Both high and low levels of…
gallbladder diet tomato
Gallbladder surgery :Tips on post-operative care and diet What to eat post a gallbladder surgery? What are the key things to avoid if you had a…
black seed oil benefits
Black Seed Oil: What secret benefits could it bestow on your health? Black seeds or nigella seeds are tiny packets of health brimming with amazing benefits. Find out why should…
Cordyceps: How the Caterpillar fungus works as a proven cancer-shield Strange as it may sound, but cordyceps or "caterpillar fungus", a fungus variety native to the Himalayas may…
Cottage cheese: What can you find in this healthy chunk of fresh milk cheese? Love cheese but scared of putting on extra pounds? With cottage cheese, you can get the best of…
What is the right way to take a pregnancy test? A pregnancy test is undertaken to determine if you have conceived. A home pregnancy test is the most…
Ear pain model
Easy and safe tips for ear wax removal you can do at home Cerumen impaction generally occurs when an external object like cotton swabs are used to remove the ear wax.…
Inhale oxygen, exhale worries: The top breathing exercises and how to perform them Performing the breathing exercise is like becoming mindful of how you breathe.  Here is a list of breathing…
Balneotherapy jacuzzi
5 things you didn’t know about balneotherapy and how you can do it at home Sauna baths have been popular since a long time. But how much more beneficial can balneotherapy be as…
ASTtest-liver
AST- Aspartate Aminotransferase Test AST test is a blood test that is used to measure the level of a particular liver enzyme…
Bloodtestalbumin
Albumin Test Albumin test or blood serum test is a liver function test that measures the amount of the protein…
Hysteroscopy_procedure
Hysteroscopy Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive tool to help specialists view the uterus to diagnose and even treat several…
phenytoin test
Phenytoin test Phenytoin is a drug that is administered mainly to epilepsy patients. The phenytoin blood test measures the level…
Rubella IgM test
Rubella IgM Test The Rubella IgM test is a blood test that is performed to diagnose the presence of the rubella…
cystatin C
Cystatin C Test Cystatin C is a specific single-chain protein that is found in body fluids and is a biomarker for…
5 htp brain
5-htp: Is this the ultimate cure for those pesky migraines attacks? 5-htp is a supplement that is extracted from the plant Griffonia simplicifoli.  It is an amino acid that helps…
Bromelain: 11 reasons why you should start adding pineapple to your pizza! If you didn't love pineapples already, here are some of the top health benefits that bromelain can bring…
Juice Plus: Can you really replace actual fruits with pills?  Juice Plus supplements intend to fill nutritional gaps present in our daily diet. But how successful have they…
Goji berry: A traditional Chinese berry that packs the best of antioxidants Goji berry is an ancient berry that is considered to be power-packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Which means…
How accurate is the hair follicle drug test? Hair follicle drug test is one of the best ways to identify drug use in professional circles. But…
Urologist: When should you visit one and why? A urologist can treat not only genitourinary problems of both men and women but also can treat various…
sodium chloride
Halotherapy: How inhaling salt can work wonders for your body Halotherapy is quickly gaining popularity amongst those with respiratory diseases. It has shown promise in its treatment.
Crossfit with rope
CrossFit: Now get the perfectly sculpted body with this explosive gym routine CrossFit is a fitness regimen that makes use of high-intensity exercises in a shorter period to achieve muscle…
tonometry
Tonometry Tonometry uses a device called tonometer to measure the pressure inside the eye. This pressure is depends upon…
fructosamine test
Fructosamine Test A fructosamine test measures blood sugar glucose content. Fructosamine level can indicate blood sugar level in past 2-3…
leptospira Igm test
Leptospira-IgM Test A Leptospira-IgM test is a blood test which is carried out to detect anti-Leptospira IgM antibody. Leptospirosis is…
ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy Ureteroscopy is the diagnostic procedure which is used for the detection of the kidney stones in addition to…
Okra: How can this nutrient-dense vegetable help you fight diabetes? Okra is a food which is rich in nutrients and minerals which are extremely essential for a healthy…
woman with abdominal pain holding ovulation calendar
Ovulation – facts to know about ovulation Learn how and when ovulation occurs, demystify common misconceptions, identify symptoms, methods of detection and right period for…
Hepatitis A virus infected liver
Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Total Blood test to look for IgM antibodies to know if you are infected with Hepatitis A virus (HAV),…
liver detox facts
7 liver detox facts and why ignoring these could kill you! Are you taking care of this organ that handles over 500 different vital functions in your body? Your…
Tamarind: The top health benefits of this staple Asian ingredient Did you know this sweet and sour pulpy fruit does more than just add a tangy flavor to…
Fibromyalgia fatigue
HCG Diet: The dangers of using this diet to lose weight HCG is a natural hormone produced by both men and women that corresponds to fertility. But how is…
Quinine: How gin and tonic came to be known as a potent health elixir The discovery of quinine-containing tree bark is sometimes considered the most serendipitous medical discovery of the 17th century.
How to scrub away stress and fatigue with an Epsom salt bath? Epsom salt is a popular home remedy for many skin ailments. Though there is a lack of scientific…
SIBO Diet: The important dos and don’ts of this gut-healing diet A SIBO diet is a diet that works by eliminating certain sugars from your diet and adding fibers…
Barium-enema
Barium Enema Barium enema is also known as colon x-ray. Here, the patient is asked to consume small amount of…
Bronchoscopy procedure
Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy is a procedure where in a scope is inserted into the lung pathway to observe any growth…
amylase test
Amylase Test Amylase test is done by checking the level of this protein in the blood sample and also in…
Period sanitary napkin-menstruaion-blood-colors
Period blood – what it says about your health Your period blood color and consistency indicate what is happening in your body. Is your blood bright red…
Sweeteners-good or bad?
Sweeteners – Are They Good or Bad for Our Health? Sweeteners can be artificial and natural. Learn about the different types of sweeteners and their health benefits and…
social media adddiction
Your health in the age of Social Media: Why is digital detox a necessity? Did you know that more than 400 million people are dangerously addicted to social media? Are you one…
improve digestion weight loss
Power up your gut: 8 proven steps on how to improve your digestion Did you know you have a colony of bacteria in your gut that help you in digesting food?…
avocado benefits
Avocado: 15 reasons why this fruit should be a staple in your diet Did you know that the word avocado literally means "testicles". Don't get grossed out as this power-packed fruit…
green poop causes
Green poop : What are the reasons and how can you correct it Ever sneak a peek down the toilet only to shockingly find green poop? Why does our poop turn…
edamame
Edamame: How healthy are these green baby beans? Edamame or "immature" soybeans are soft and easily digestable forms of soybeans that are great as an eveyday…
Oil of Oregano: The one-stop essential oil you’ve been looking for Are you plagued by a weak immune system? High body inflammation accompanied by pain and infections? Why not…
Cayenne: The remarkable benefits of these red hot chili peppers These may make you rush for a glass of water, but cayenne pepper is actually a healthy additive…
The right way to prepare Alfalfa sprouts at home Alfalfa or lusan ghas is not just a nutritious animal fodder. This flavonoid-rich herb has some amazing health…
Did you know drinking alkaline water could be the healthier choice for you? Ever wondered how safe is your drinking water in terms of pH? Recent studies have revealed that Alkaline…
Love tea, hate tannins? Rooibos tea is just what you need The market is brimming with a multitude of herbal teas. But what makes rooibos tea (or red bush)…
How seitan proved to be a blessing in disguise for vegans worldwide Can only meat-eaters enjoy delicious juicy steaks and burgers? With seitan, the best meat substitute available today,even vegans…
Pescatarian Diet 101: What are the inherent health advantages of this diet? People opt to become a pescatarian in order to enrich their bodies with the essential health benefits that…
shakeology woman
Meal replacement or protein drink? Learn all about Shakeology and its claims Shakeology from Beachbody claims to be the most suitable shake that can aid in weight loss, regulate blood…
blood elements analysis
Blood Element Analysis Test A blood element analysis is a blood test performed to measure the level of toxic elements such as…
folate test
Folate test The Folate test measures and monitors the levels of folic acid in the blood. This test is also…
lipase test
Lipase Test A lipase test is a blood test performed to quantitatively measure the level of the enzyme lipase in…
BULIMIA NERVOSA vomiting
Can you get addicted to food? Learn everything about food addiction What is food addiction? How can people get addicted to eating? Is it an unhealthy eating habit or…
helping friend with depression
Support and care tips for helping people with depression Read to find out what is depression, its causes and symptoms. Also check out the steps describing how…
kshar sutra
Kshar sutra treatment for piles, fissures and fistula Read to know the benefits and side effects of kshar sutra to treat anal piles, fissures, and fistula…
Splenda
Splenda Splenda is an artificial sweetener derived from Stevia plant extracts. It is low in calories and a popular…
quinoa salad
Quinoa : A prodigious superfood you need to include in your diet today! Quinoa - what is so special about this native South American grain that has taken the world by…

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