Personal Care for Fainting & Syncope
The old black-and-white movies commonly depicted women fainting over a dramatic or overwhelming situation. Today, we know that fainting, or syncope, can result from several causes. Frequent syncopal episodes require emergency care to determine if it signals a more serious medical condition.
If you’ve had syncope fainting and either injured yourself or are concerned about its cause, visit a Dignity Health St. John's ER for care with humankindness.
Understanding Syncope Definition at Dignity Health St. John's
Unexpected fainting or sudden loss of consciousness result from the temporary interruption of blood flow to your brain. Syncope causes can occur from standing for too long a time, exercising, or being involved in an emotional situation.
Other causes that can lead to a syncope episode, including:
- Anemia
- Low blood sugar
- Dehydration
- Severe pain
- Low blood sugar
- Hyperventilation
- Dehydration, exhaustion, or overheating
- Medications
- Sudden changes in posture that make blood pool in your legs
- Anemia
Your doctor will review your medical history, symptoms, and additional information to determine if your fainting spell is related to a less serious cause or something that points to a more serious, possibly life-threatening situation, such as:
- Syncope with exercise
- Family history, fainting with exercise, or sudden death
- Syncope with heart palpitations or other heart conditions
- Frequent fainting in a short time
These scenarios can indicate arrhythmias, heart problems, valve or heart disease, or heart attack. Diagnostic tests, such an electrocardiogram (EKG), blood tests, and exercise stress tests, help your doctor diagnose your condition. A personalized treatment plan will help prevent future episodes of syncope, as well as treat any underlying causes.
Your health and well-being always remain our primary focus. Find a Doctor today at Dignity Health St. John's to discuss your syncope episodes and possible heart-related condition.