Symptoms
What Is Vasovagal Syncope? Vasovagal syncope, sometimes called a vasovagal response, is fainting that occurs when the brain experiences a sudden reduction in blood flow due to a drop in heart rate and blood pressure. "It's known as a simple fainting spell.
Causes
Vasovagal syncope can cause a person to pass out and fall to the ground. The loss of consciousness typically only lasts for a couple of minutes. Then, as blood flow returns to the brain, the person will wake up and return to normal consciousness. A vasovagal episode can be frightening.
Complications
A vasovagal syncopal episode has several characteristic features: 3 They almost always occur while standing or sitting up because the blood in the body disproportionately flows down to the legs and the blood pressure drops. It virtually never happens while lying down.
What is vasovagal syncope and how is it treated?
Vasovagal syndrome by itself is not a serious condition, but it could be indicative of a more serious condition. Those who experience frequent episodes of vasovagal fainting, or changes in the frequency of episodes, should see a doctor to determine if there are more serious underlying causes.
How long does a vasovagal episode Last?
What are the characteristics of a vasovagal syncopal episode?
Is vasovagal fainting serious?
What causes a vasovagal attack?
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.
What happens during a vasovagal episode?
The vasovagal syncope trigger causes your heart rate and blood pressure to drop suddenly. That leads to reduced blood flow to your brain, causing you to briefly lose consciousness.
How do you treat a vasovagal attack?
To immediately treat someone who has fainted from vasovagal syncope, help the person lie down and lift their legs up in the air. This will restore blood flow to the brain, and the person should quickly regain consciousness. The person should lie down for a little while afterwards.
What are vasovagal attacks?
Vasovagal syncope is caused by a sudden and temporary drop in your blood pressure and heart rate. This is the result of hyperstimulation of the vagus nerve, hence the term 'vasovagal episode'. The vagus nerve plays an important role in the healthy functioning of the body.
Can vasovagal cause death?
Over a 24-year observation period, patients whose syncope was attributed to vasovagal or other causes had a mortality ratio of 14% and an excess death rate of 20. Neurogenic syncope had a mortality ratio of 168% and an excess death rate of 34.
Does your heart stop during vasovagal syncope?
For syncope to occur due to this problem, the heart usually has to stop for at least 6 to 10 seconds. This is known as a sinus "pause." Heart block — Sometimes, part of the conduction system between the sinus node and the rest of the heart becomes disrupted due to heart disease.
Can anxiety cause vasovagal?
One of the most common reasons people faint is in reaction to an emotional trigger. For example, the sight of blood, or extreme excitement, anxiety or fear, may cause some people to faint. This condition is called vasovagal syncope.
Is vasovagal syncope a panic attack?
Fainting can happen with anxiety, though it is a bit rarer with panic attacks. Typically, those that feel faint or experience faint during panic attacks do so as the result of hyperventilation, rapid adrenaline, or vasovagal syncope.
Is vasovagal syncope a heart condition?
Vasovagal syndrome is a heart condition that can cause a sudden, rapid drop in heart rate and blood pressure, which leads to fainting. The condition may also be described as a vasovagal or neurocardiogenic syncope, or vasovagal attack.
How do you trigger vasovagal syncope?
Typically, vasovagal syncope episodes occur after standing for a prolonged period of time; they can be triggered by fasting, dehydration, being in crowded or excessively warm environments, or following stressful events, like seeing blood and needles.
Do you need to go to the hospital for vasovagal syncope?
The short answer is 'yes. ' If you have fainted, you should see a physician or visit an emergency room right away to identify the cause of your fainting and to ensure you do not have a serious underlying condition.
What medications can cause vasovagal syncope?
Which drugs may cause syncope?Agents that reduce blood pressure (eg, antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, nitrates)Agents that affect cardiac output (eg, beta blockers, digitalis, antiarrhythmics)Agents that prolong the QT interval (eg, tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines, quinidine, amiodarone)More items...•
What is vasovagal syncope?
Syncope, from Greek sunkopē (sun-, ‘together’ and koptein, ‘strike, cut off’), refers to a sudden loss of consciousness as a result of a temporary...
What causes vasovagal syncope?
Vasovagal syncope is a benign condition caused by the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system in response to certain emotional or environm...
How is vasovagal syncope diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis of vasovagal syncope begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. This may include assessing the individual’s vital s...
Does vasovagal syncope ever go away?
Vasovagal syncope occurs episodically and although it can go away for some time, new syncope episodes may occur if the individual is exposed to pre...
How do you prevent vasovagal syncope?
Preventing a vasovagal syncope includes avoiding any potential triggers, such as standing for a long time or the sight of blood; drinking plenty of...
What are the most important facts to know about vasovagal syncope?
Vasovagal syncope is a benign condition caused by a drop in heart rate and blood pressure that is triggered by certain environmental or emotional s...
What does it mean when you faint?
Syncope means fainting or passing out. When fainting is caused by certain triggers, like the sight of blood or a needle, or an intense emotion like fear or fright, it’s called vasovagal syncope. It’s the most common cause of fainting.
What test is used to diagnose vasovagal syncope?
Depending on your specific symptoms and medical history, further diagnostic testing may include: Tilt-table test.
Why do nerves work together?
Usually, these nerves work together to ensure that your brain is always getting enough oxygen-rich blood. But, sometimes, they can get their signals mixed up, especially when you have a reaction to something that causes your blood vessels to suddenly open wide and your blood pressure to drop.
What are the signs of fainting?
lightheadedness or dizziness. feeling sweaty or clammy. nausea. blurry vision. weakness. If you typically experience these warning signs before fainting, it’s a good idea to lie down to help increase the blood flow to your brain.
Can vasovagal syncope be treated?
Vasovagal syncope doesn’t necessarily call for treatment. But it’s a good idea to try avoid those situations that trigger fainting and take measures to prevent injury due to falling. There is no standard treatment that can cure all causes and types of vasovagal syncope.
What is the best treatment for high sodium?
corticosteroids, which help raise sodium and fluid levels. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which help to regulate the nervous system response. Your doctor will make a recommendation based on your medical history, age, and overall health.
Can you faint from vasovagal syncope?
Although some causes of fainting can be a sign of a more serious health problem, that’s typically not the case with vasovagal syncope.
What happens when blood pressure drops?
As a result, the blood pressure will suddenly drop. If the drop in pressure is enough to rob the brain of oxygen, fainting occurs. In most people with vasovagal syncope, the dilation of blood vessels appears to be the predominant factor that causes loss of consciousness.
What causes blood vessels to dilate?
Vasovagal syncope occurs when something triggers the vasovagal reflex, causing the blood vessels to suddenly dilate. Dilation of the blood vessels causes a significant proportion of the blood volume to pool in the legs. 5
What are the characteristics of a vasovagal syncope?
The syncope itself also has several characteristic features: 3 . Vasovagal syncope almost always occurs when the victim is standing or sitting upright (when blood pooling in the legs can occur), and it virtually never happens while lying down. People who have vasovagal syncope usually regain consciousness ...
What is it called when you lose consciousness after being revived?
While the loss of consciousness with vasovagal syncope can be quite sudden, more characteristically it is preceded by a few seconds or a few minutes of warning symptoms. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as a “prodrome” of syncope. Those that occur after you are revived are called "postdromal." 3
What is the term for a sudden loss of consciousness caused by a neurological reflex?
Vasovagal syncope (also called neurocardiogenic syncope) is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a neurological reflex that produces either sudden dilation of the blood vessels in the legs, or a very slow heart rate (bradycardia), or both. 2
When does Vasovagal syncope occur?
Vasovagal syncope is particularly likely to occur after a viral illness, after exercise, after a warm shower, or early in the morning —in other words, any time relative dehydration is likely to be present. 5 .
What are the symptoms of postdromal syncope?
During this “postdromal” period they commonly experience extreme fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite.
How do you know if you have a vasovagal attack?
The signs and symptoms of vasovagal attacks have a rapid onset and occur just once or periodically. The attacks vary among individuals. Some people with vasovagal attacks have mild symptoms, such as light-headedness, while others may have frequent fainting episodes.
How to lower your risk of vasovagal attacks?
You may be able to lower your risk of vasovagal attacks by: Lying down and elevating your feet if a vasovagal attack is beginning . Participating in stress reduction techniques or therapy to reduce your response to triggers. Understanding the potential triggers for vasovagal attacks.
What are the symptoms of vasovagal attack?
Examples include: Blurred or double vision. Cold skin. Difficulty breathing. Disorientation. Fainting, change in level of consciousness, or lethargy. Headache.
What causes a rapid drop in heart rate and blood pressure?
A vasovagal attack is a disorder that causes a rapid drop in heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in decreased blood flow to the brain and fainting. Vasovagal attack is the most common cause of fainting. The disorder is also referred to as neurocardiogenic syncope.
Why does standing cause vasovagal attacks?
Prolonged standing is associated with vasovagal attacks because blood may pool in the legs, thus reducing blood flow to the brain. Heat exposure can also lead to a vasovagal attack. As blood flows to the body’s periphery to cool the body, this may result in decreased blood flow to the brain.
How to prevent pooling of blood in legs?
Methods to prevent pooling of blood in the legs (elastic stockings, contraction of the leg muscles while standing, walking in place to use the leg muscles, and consuming fluids) Surgical procedures (insertion of a pacemaker)
What to do if you faint and have a fast heart rate?
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if fainting is accompanied by serious symptoms, such as sweating, severe difficulty breathing, or chest pain or pressure, which may be combined with pale or blue lips and a fast heart rate. Also seek immediate care for injuries sustained during a fainting episode.
What is vagal syncope?
Vasovagal Syncope. Treatment. The vagal response is an automatic response within our bodies that occurs as a result of stimulation of our vagus nerve. It gets its name from the fact that it involves an interplay between your vagus nerve and your blood vessels.
What is the experience of fainting due to a drop in blood pressure and a subsequent decrease in the flow of
Syncope is the experience of fainting due to a drop in blood pressure and a subsequent decrease in the flow of blood to the brain. 3 Thus vasovagal syncope is a loss of consciousness triggered by a vagal response. Vasovagal syncope can cause a person to pass out and drop to the ground.
What are the triggers of vagal response?
As you will see, some of these triggers are internal, while others come from the environment: 1 . Emotional stress. Blood being drawn or the sight of blood. Fear. Gastrointestinal illness. Having a bowel movement. Heat.
What happens when the vagus nerve is stimulated?
When the vagus nerve is suddenly stimulated, it sets off a chain of events within the body. These changes can result in a wide variety of unpleasant sensations and symptoms. The vagal response goes by a variety of names, including:
How to stop fainting from vasovagal?
Another option is to lower your head between your knees. Drinking some water may be of help as well. Whatever you do, do not stand up quickly as you put yourself at risk for fainting. If you experience vasovagal symptoms when having a bowel movement, as some people who have irritable bowel syndrome experience, you may want to try ...
What causes blood to pool in your legs?
2 When the reflex is triggered it causes an abrupt drop in blood pressure and a sudden reduction in heart rate. The blood vessels in your legs may widen, causing blood to pool in your legs.
What happens when you faint?
All of these changes can result in less blood flowing to your brain and trigger sensations that make you feel as if you might faint. At its worst, the reflex can result in an actual brief loss of consciousness, a condition known as vasovagal syncope.
What is the name of the condition that causes sudden and rapid drop in heart rate and blood pressure?
Vasovagal syndrome is a heart condition that can cause a sudden, rapid drop in heart rate and blood pressure, which leads to fainting. The condition may also be described as a vasovagal or neurocardiogenic syncope, or vasovagal attack.
What causes a vasovagal attack?
Vasovagal response syndrome can be caused by: Heat exposure. Standing for long periods of time. Seeing blood or having blood drawn. Straining to have a bowel movement. Running or other strenuous exercise. Extreme fear, panic or other situational stressors.
What are the symptoms of vasovagal syndrome?
Prior to fainting, other signs and symptoms of a vasovagal reaction may include: Going pale/loss of skin color. Lightheadedness.
How to prevent vasovagal attacks?
Reducing heat exposure, especially when engaged in strenuous activity, drinking plenty of fluids, not standing too long, and avoiding things that cause stress will help prevent vasovagal attacks associated with this heart condition.
What is Baptist Health?
Baptist Health is known for advanced, superior care for patients with heart disease and the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions such as vasovagal syndrome. You will appreciate timely appointments and a professional, friendly atmosphere where we take time to listen to your concerns. At Baptist Health, you have access to ...
What is the procedure to check for heart disease?
Common diagnostic procedures can include: Echocardiogram: This ultrasound exam uses soundwaves to take moving pictures of the heart’s chambers and valves. Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help determine if parts of the heart are enlarged, overworked or damaged.
Is vasovagal syndrome serious?
Vasovagal syndrome by itself is not a serious condition, but it could be indicative of a more serious condition. Those who experience frequent episodes of vasovagal fainting, or changes in the frequency of episodes, should see a doctor to determine if there are more serious underlying causes.
