Syncope simply means fainting.
Despite the fact that syncope is not uncommon, it is an area of concern to patients that experience it.
Syncope is caused by a sudden decrease in blood pressure. A patient will often be dizzy before syncope.
Syncope has different causes. Sometimes it is caused by a neurologic problem such as a seizure or migraine headache.
Other non-cardiac causes of syncope include breath-holding spells, hyperventilation, hysteria, and exposure to certain drugs or toxins.
There can be cardiac causes of syncope as well:
Heart rhythm abnormalities
Diminished heart function, cardiomyopathy; myocarditis and Kawasaki disease; and ischemic heart disease
A cardiologist is the one to determine whether one of these serious causes of syncope exists.
However the most common cause of syncope low blood pressure.
Most causes of syncope can be successfully treated. Syncope due to neurologic causes can be treated with medications. Cardiac causes of syncope have a wide range of treatments depending on the cause.
People with syncope are advised to avoid caffeine, increase salt intake, and stay well hydrated. Fluid intake should be increased to the point that one’s urine is colorless.
If a patient feels dizzy try these steps lying down, squatting, tense abdominal muscles, cross legs at the ankles, and place one foot on a stool or chair while the other foot remains on the ground.
If you are having syncope episodes, speak to your doctor.