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Vasovagal Syncope
Also known as Fainting
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Vasovagal syncope is also referred to as "fainting". There are other causes of fainting besides vasovagal syncope but these are rare. The syndrome occurs when the body overreacts to certain triggers. These triggers can be some kind of emotional distress, the visual sight of something scary, such as blood, or from getting up too fast in certain bodily conditions. In vasovagal syncope, there is a reduction in blood pressure so that the individual can't get enough blood into the brain and the person passes out.
The blood pressure and heart rate drop dramatically in vasovagal syncope. The combination causes a reduction in cerebral blood flow and the person cannot maintain consciousness. Women are more prone to getting vasovagal syncope but men can get it, too. It is usually a harmless disease and no particular treatment is required. Injuries can happen due to falling during an episode, which may need treatment.
Symptoms typical of a pre-fainting episode include paleness of the skin and lightheadedness. If you get these symptoms, you should recline yourself and rest until the symptoms pass. You can also get tunnel vision, come down with a clammy, cold sweat or feel nauseous. Some people feel warmth in their body rather than a cold sensation.
Even though vasovagal syncope isn't dangerous, you should see the doctor if the problem is recurrent as it can be due to a heart condition, a brain condition or an endocrine problem. All of these systems are interconnected so that problems in one area can cause problems in other areas. If you have never had a vasovagal episode before, seek medical attention so that it can be properly diagnosed.
The cause of vasovagal syncope is a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure in response to a specific trigger. The blood vessels dilate and the pressure drops. Blood pools in the legs and doesn't get to the brain. This is when you faint. If you are elderly, you are at a higher risk for developing the disease because the blood vessels can't compensate for external changes like heat and they don't often respond well to standing up fast.
Triggers for fainting spells include: heat exposure, standing for long periods of time, fear of bodily injury, having blood drawn, straining at stool and having witnessed something frightening.
When you see the doctor, write down what symptoms you have and what triggers the symptoms. List your medications and vitamins or supplements you are taking, and note the frequency of fainting episodes. The doctor will do a physical examination to see what your baseline heart rate and blood pressure are. The doctor may be able to recreate the fainting spells by rubbing the carotid arteries in the neck, which can mimic fainting symptoms. Doctors diagnose vasovagal syncope only when other causes of syncope have been completely ruled out, such as heart conditions and endocrine conditions.
Tests for vasovagal syncope can include doing an electrocardiogram to record the electrical signals of the heart. It can make sure there are no arrhythmias of the heart that can cause this problem. Along with this, an echocardiogram can be done to make sure the heart is pumping properly and that there are no holes or valvular problems in the heart. An exercise stress test can determine if you can tolerate exercise without harming your heart. If you faint during exercise, there is probably something wrong with your heart. Blood tests can be done to see if you are anemic, a problem that causes fainting.
A tilt table test can be done, which is a test where the doctor puts you on a flat table and straps you in. The table is tilted in certain positions, looking for fainting spells or dizziness at certain angles and situations.
Most of the time, there is no treatment needed for vasovagal syncope. You need to know your triggers and avoid them when possible. If this doesn't work, there are medications that can control fainting spells, including Lopressor, a beta blocker that stabilizes the heart rate, antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft that are successful in controlling fainting spells. Blood vessel constricting medications can also control the symptoms of vasovagal syncope.
Therapy such as foot exercises and stockings that keep blood from pooling in the feet and legs can help. Learning to tense the muscles of the legs during stress can also make a difference. Don't stand for long periods of time, especially if you are doing so in a crowded place or when it is hot.