Vasovagal Syncope
If you’ve ever fainted or felt close to fainting, you may have experienced vasovagal syncope. This condition is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate, leading to lightheadedness, tunnel vision, and, eventually, loss of consciousness.
While vasovagal syncope can be triggered by several things, including heat exposure, prolonged standing, stress, hunger, or the sight of blood, the underlying mechanism is always the same.
Fainting episodes usually last less than a minute and do not cause long-term harm. However, they can be dangerous if they happen while an individual is driving or operating heavy machinery.
The good news is that vasovagal syncope can be treated effectively in most cases. If an individual has had more than one vasovagal syncope episode, a doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings to help improve leg circulation. They may also recommend adding extra salt to the diet or taking medication to raise blood pressure. In some cases, people with vasovagal syncope may need a pacemaker implanted to help regulate their heart rate.
