What is vasovagal syncope caused by?

Vasovagal syncope occurs when the part of your nervous system that regulates heart rate and blood pressure malfunctions in response to a trigger, such as the sight of blood. Your heart rate slows, and the blood vessels in your legs widen (dilate).

How serious is vasovagal syncope?

Vasovagal syncope is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, often triggered by a reaction to something. This causes your heart to slow down for a short time. As a result, your brain may not get enough oxygen-rich blood, which causes you to pass out. Vasovagal syncope is typically not a serious health condition.

Should I worry about vasovagal syncope?

These swooning signs provide comfort to doctors because often, they suggest the cause of fainting is nothing to worry about. When vasovagal syncope is occurring, you’ll experience warning signals that include dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating, paleness, feeling warm or hot, and vision and/or hearing changes.

Does your heart stop during vasovagal syncope?

The most common cause is vasovagal syncope, which is a drop in pressure with a sudden slowing of the heart. This type of syncope is often triggered by pain or emotional shock, particularly if the individual is dehydrated or has been standing for a long period.

How do people live with vasovagal syncope?

Managing Your Syncope – Lifestyle advice

1. When getting up in the morning, sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes before attempting to stand up.
2. Eat regular meals, particularly breakfast.
3. As a rule blood pressure is higher during the afternoon so try to schedule your activities for that part of the day.

Can you drive if you have vasovagal syncope?

Based on study findings, authors conclude that patients with frequent fainting episodes are safe to drive with minimal restrictions. In fact, estimated risk of car accidents is even lower in patients with vasovagal syncope than the general population.

What do you do if someone has a vasovagal syncope?

You can usually get relief by lying down with your legs raised (elevated). This helps more blood to flow to your brain and may help relieve symptoms like feeling dizzy. Some doctors may recommend a technique that involves tensing your fists and arms. This type of fainting is often easy to predict.

How does salt and water prevent vasovagal syncope?

Salt will also expand your blood volume by retaining fluids in the venous circulatory system and preventing a drop in your blood pressure. A healthy blood pressure will bring enough oxygen to the brain tissue to help prevent episodes of syncope.

What are the most common causes of syncope?

structural problems with your heart,such as ischemic cardiomyopathy,heart valve disorders,and dilated cardiomyopathy

electrical problems with your heart,such as arrhythmias and conditions like Brugada syndrome

other conditions,such as a pulmonary embolism or aortic dissection

What to do during a vasovagal episode?

A simple episode, also called a vasovagal attack or neurally-mediated syncope, is the most common type of fainting spell. It is most common in children and young adults. A vasovagal attack happens because blood pressure drops, reducing circulation to the brain and causing loss of consciousness.

What causes a vasovagal episode?

Overview. Vasovagal syncope (vay-zoh-VAY-gul SING-kuh-pee) occurs when you faint because your body overreacts to certain triggers,such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress.

Symptoms. Recovery after a vasovagal episode generally begins in less than a minute.

Causes.

Prevention.