You could have sworn you were standing up just a few seconds ago. What just happened? It starts coming back to you slowly. You felt a bit nauseous and lightheaded, and the next thing you know you’re on the ground, confused and disoriented.
Recent studies have shown that nearly one-third to half of the population within the United States has fainted at least once in their lifetime. So clearly, you are not alone. But what should you do from here? Dr. Richard Weiss, cardiologist at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, weighs in on this common occurrence.
What is syncope? And what causes it?
Fainting, also known as syncope, can be described as a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness due to a lack of blood flow to the brain. This can be caused by a drop in blood pressure and in turn the heart does not deliver enough oxygen to the brain.
The most common type of syncope is called “vasovagal syncope”. “This is a response to stimuli, such as pain or sudden emotional shock. When experiencing vasovagal syncope, the blood vessels of the body are dilating rather than constricting, causing a low heart rate and a very low blood pressure,” Dr. Weiss explains.
A specific type of vasovagal syncope, called “situational syncope”, can be caused by a number of triggers, including:
- Emotional stress
- Dehydration
- Severe pain
- Exhaustion
- Fear
- Straining
- Having blood drawn or seeing blood
Can fainting be avoided?
We’ve all felt dizzy and lightheaded before. If you’ve had fainting episodes in the past, be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Tunnel vision
- Nausea
- Perspiration or clamminess
“If you feel these symptoms, lay down or sit down and do not get up until you feel your body has returned to normal,” he says. Also, be sure to drink lots of water.
What should you do if you faint?
Let’s face it, this can be scary! More often than not, fainting will not lead to a diagnosis of a serious medical condition, but it is always best to call your doctor and get checked out.
Your doctor will go over your medical history and perform a physical exam. If there is concern your fainting episode could be a predictor of something for more serious, such as a heart condition, you will likely receive a series of tests.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) - records the electrical activity of your heart.
Holter monitor - an EKG that detects abnormal heart rhythms by continually recording your heartbeat for up to 24-48 hours.
Tilt table test - monitors blood pressure and heart rhythm while table tilts at different angles.
While it might be easier to just try and forget about your fainting episode, it is best to stay on top of it. Give your physician or cardiologist a call and get checked out.