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Syncope, or fainting, is a brief loss of consciousness and not being able to stand up. Vasovagal syncope is due to changes within the body’s nervous system, blood vessels, and heart, with not enough blood going to the brain This is also referred to as neurocardiogenic syncope, or the common faint. This type of fainting is not caused by any problem with the heart’s structure or rhythm.
While not a severe problem, we know that this can cause problems with normal daily life. People who have fainting can also feel dizzy when standing.
Actions Linked to Fainting
Prolonged standing, more so in a warm setting
Changing from lying or sitting to standing
Painful events
Events that cause pain, fear or anxiety
Hair combing/grooming
Urination
Before fainting, people often feel dizzy, nauseous, sweaty, and notice their vision getting dark. They will often look pale.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to prevent repeat fainting.
Fluids
The most crucial part of treatment is to increase the body’s fluid volume.
Drink at least 80 ounces of water or liquids without caffeine daily.
Increase your fluids when you exercise or are in hot weather to make up for the loss of fluid.
Limit caffeine intake as this causes the body to lose fluid and can cause dehydration.
An easy way to know whether you are drinking enough fluid is to look at the color of your urine. Your urine should be very pale in color to almost clear. Dark, yellow urine may be a sign that you need to drink more fluid.
Diet
Eating regular meals will also help prevent symptoms and fainting spells.
Avoid low salt (sodium) diets.
Eat salty snacks in between meals.
Tips to Prevent Fainting
Sit or lie down as soon as you begin to feel dizzy, notice your vision dimming or getting dark, or have a cold sweat.
Change positions slowly. Do not jump out of bed or stand up too quickly.
Regular exercise that uses the muscles in the legs such as walking, running, or squatting can improve symptoms.
When standing up, squeeze your leg and butt muscles to help increase the blood flow to your head.
Medicines
The tips in this handout often work very well in treating this type of fainting. If you keep having fainting spells after you have followed these tips, certain medicines can help to control symptoms. If you have fainting episodes during exercise, please contact us, we may want to see you in clinic.
Who to Call
Pediatric Cardiology Clinic
(608) 263-6420
Adult Congenital Heart Disease
(608) 890-5700