Vasovagal Syncope: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Vasovagal syncope is a disorder when your body overreacts to certain stimuli, such as the sight of blood or extremely upsetting feelings. It is also referred to as neurocardiogenic syncope.

Blood pressure and heart rate are sharply lowered by the vasovagal syncope trigger. This results in a reduction in the blood flow to your brain, briefly knocking you out.

Vasovagal syncope is usually benign and does not require medical intervention. But when you have a vasovagal syncope, you can damage yourself. Your doctor may suggest tests to rule out more serious causes of fainting, like heart conditions.

Causes Of Vasovagal Syncope

Vasovagal syncope is the result of a malfunction in the part of your neurological system that regulates your blood pressure and heart rate, brought on by a trigger such as the sight of blood.

Your pulse rate falls and the blood vessels in your legs dilate. By letting blood build up in your legs, this lowers blood pressure. The sudden decrease in blood supply to your brain brought on by the drop in blood pressure and slowed heart rate causes you to faint.

Classical vasovagal syncope has several frequent causes, though occasionally none is identified. These include:

• Extended durations of standing
• Heat exposure
• Observing blood
• Fear of bodily injury

Also Read: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: How to Perform CPR, Types of CPR

Symptoms Of Vasovagal Syncope

Before fainting associated with vasovagal syncope, some of the following symptoms may appear:

• Pale skin
• Headache
• You get tunnel vision, which is the ability to see only what is directly in front of you.
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• A cold, clammy sweat
• Blurred vision

When someone sees an instance of vasovagal syncope, they could notice:

• Jerky, peculiar gestures
• Dilated eyes
• A weak, slow pulse

Recovery typically begins within a minute following a vasovagal episode if you stand up too quickly, though, within 15 to 30 minutes of the original fainting, you run the risk of falling out again.

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Diagnosis Of Vasovagal Syncope

The diagnosis of vasovagal syncope frequently begins with a physical examination. During the physical examination, your doctor will take your blood pressure and check to your heart. He or she may also massage the major arteries in your neck to see if it helps with your dizziness.

Your doctor may also suggest several tests to rule out other possible causes of your fainting, especially heart-related conditions. These tests might include:

• Cardiac echography: Throughout this test, the electrical impulses your heart produces are recorded. It is capable of detecting a range of cardiac problems and irregular heart rhythms. It can be required that you wear a portable monitor for a minimum of one day or a month.
• Echocardiography: This test uses ultrasonography to visualize the heart to check for conditions such as valve problems, which can cause fainting.
• Take a stress test: This test is used to study heart rhythms during exercise. Usually, you jog or stroll on a treadmill while doing it.
• Blood examinations: Your doctor may examine to rule out conditions like anemia that may contribute to or worsen fainting episodes.
• Tilt table- examination: If there is no sign that your fainting is related to a cardiac issue, your doctor may suggest a tilt table test. During the exam, you lie flat on your back on a table that tilts you upward at various angles. Throughout the test, a technician keeps an eye on your blood pressure and heart rhythms to see if shifting your posture impacts either.

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Treatment Of Vasovagal Syncope

Most of the time, vasovagal syncope does not require treatment. Your doctor can help you identify the reason for your faints and provide preventative measures.

If, however, your vasovagal syncope is frequent enough to interfere with your quality of life, your doctor may suggest trying one or more of the following treatments:

• Pharmacies: A common medicine used to treat low blood pressure is fludrocortisone acetate, which may also help avoid vasovagal syncope. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can also be used.
• Therapies: Your doctor can offer advice on how to reduce the blood clot in your legs. These could include standing up and tensing your leg muscles, foot workouts, or wearing compression stockings. You may need to add more salt to your diet if your blood pressure is generally within normal ranges. Avoid standing for extended amounts of time, especially in places that are hot and crowded, and drink plenty of water.
• Surgery: Rarely, some vasovagal syncope patients who have not improved with previous therapies may find that having an electrical pacemaker implanted to regulate their heartbeat is beneficial.

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Prevention Of Vasovagal Syncope

There are instances when a vasovagal syncope episode cannot be avoided. If you feel like you might pass out, lift your legs and lie down. This is why blood flow to your brain may be sustained by gravity. If you can't lie down till you feel better, sit with your head between your legs.

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