
People who faint because of low blood pressure when they stand up ( orthostatic hypotension) may be at risk of injury from falling when they faint.Ĭardiac syncope is a sign that you may have a heart issue that can be fatal. What are the possible complications or risks of not treating fainting?įainting can happen again in people who have untreated fainting causes. Suggest that they sit forward and lower their head below their shoulders and knees.Check for any injuries that might need medical attention (such as a head injury or a cut).Encourage them to sit down or lie down for 10 to 15 minutes (sometimes longer, until symptoms pass).Ask someone to look for an automated external defibrillator (AED) if needed.Start CPR if the person isn’t breathing or if you don’t feel a pulse.Call 911 or seek immediate medical attention if they’re hurt.Make sure the person’s airway is clear.If fainting isn’t a frequent problem, many people don’t need treatment beyond what you can provide yourself. People with carotid sinus syncope may need: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).If a diagnosed heart issue made you faint, a provider may recommend: People - often age 65+ - who faint when they stand up too quickly may need: They can provide treatment if you need it. Using alcohol, marijuana or illegal drugs.Ī healthcare provider can work with you to determine the cause of your fainting.Working, playing or exercising too hard, especially in the heat.Things you do with your body that can make you faint include: An unknown reason, which happens in up to 50% of fainting cases.A sudden drop in blood sugar, as may happen in a person who has diabetes.A neurologic condition, such as a seizure disorder or stroke.Other examples include nitrates for heart disease, antipsychotics for mental health disorders, antihistamines for allergies and opioids for pain. Certain medications that treat high blood pressure, such as diuretics (water pills), calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.Examples include when a person pees, poops, coughs or stretches. Certain bodily movements or functions also can naturally cause a drop in blood pressure that may lead to fainting spells. Then, your brain doesn’t get enough oxygenated blood, and you faint. Your heart slows down and pumps less blood, so your blood pressure drops. The stressful event stimulates a bodily reflex called the vasovagal reaction. Examples include the sight of blood, emotional stress, physical trauma, emotional trauma or pain. Vasovagal syncope : This can occur when a person experiences a stressful event.This type of fainting can occur when someone wears a very tight collar, stretches or turns their neck too much, or has a bone in their neck that’s pinching their artery. The carotid artery is a blood vessel that supplies your brain. Carotid sinus syncope: This type of syncope can happen when something pinches or constricts the carotid artery in your neck.This type makes up 15% of fainting incidents. Many heart conditions can affect how much oxygenated blood your heart can pump to your brain. Cardiac syncope: This type of syncope involves fainting because of a heart problem.There are many reasons why a drop in blood pressure could lead to a temporary loss of consciousness: The most common reason for fainting is a sudden drop in blood pressure, which reduces blood flow and oxygen to your brain. There are some simple strategies that might help you manage the symptoms of postural hypotension e.g.What are the most common causes of fainting?.Tell your doctor about your symptoms and get properly assessed to help determine how best to manage your symptoms.dehydration and certain medical conditions


There are lots of different causes of postural hypotension e.g.

