Vasovagal syndrome can cause fainting; learn how to avoid

*This text has been written based on the information received from health institutions and organizations, hospitals and health professionals. If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms described here, our recommendation is to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

One of the most common causes of fainting – or syncope to use its technical name – is, vasovagal syndrome It is characterized by a drop in blood pressure due to difficulty returning blood to the heart. Understand how it can be prevented and what to do if someone has an episode near you.

First, let’s understand what it is vasovagal syndrome: The vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the heart, is responsible for giving this condition its name. What occurs in part of this syndrome is the temporary loss of consciousness – fainting, caused by the decrease in the patient’s heartbeat.

But why does the heart rate suddenly drop? It is a result of the drop in blood pressure that occurs after prolonged standing, which makes it harder for blood to return from the lower limbs to the heart, which works with more effort and less blood. . Fainting occurs when the brain senses and tells the heart to stop exerting too much effort.

Despite vasovagal syndrome is not synonymous with disease, it is important to investigate whether the carrier suffers from conditions such as epilepsy, autonomic neuropathies, cerebrovascular diseases, and cardiac or endocrine disorders. This syndrome is more common in young women.

how to prevent vasovagal syndrome

There is no specific treatment for it. vasovagal syndrome. Diagnosis is made by doctors and includes a test called a “tilt test,” which is an orthostatic tilt test done while the patient is lying on a stretcher.

During the examination, the team checks the condition of the patient’s heart, beat rate (heart rate), blood volume and flow in the body in different positions. The patient lies down for 10 to 20 minutes, then the bed is tilted at 60 to 70 degrees for at least another 20 minutes.

The examination also helps the patient to recognize their symptoms and visualize the relevant changes, making it easier to understand the condition for subsequent attacks.

if Syndrome Confirmed, medication may be prescribed to prevent blood pressure drop in some cases, but care is usually behavioral. Ideally, carriers should learn to avoid certain environments and control situations that can trigger them.

It is important for those who experience frequent fainting to avoid: confined or crowded environments, prolonged fasting, spending a lot of time on their feet and being anxious, experiencing great emotions, fear or drinking alcohol – situations that can trigger the problem.

Hydration also helps control blood pressure and reduces the chances of fainting.

The main symptoms before syncope may include:

• pale skin;
• dizziness;
• weakness;
• blurred or blurred vision;
• tunnel vision – the field of view is narrowed and the person sees only the front;
• nausea;
• feeling of heat;
• sweating: cold, damp sweat;
• headache;
• palpitation

The person who notices these symptoms should not try to fight it, but instead adopt the behavior that can prevent syncope from actually occurring: move the calves, lie down, and place the lower limbs higher than the rest of the body. blood to the heart.

The behavior must be adopted quickly, avoiding possible falls and injury from unconsciousness.

What to do in case of an episode of vasovagal syndrome?

blinds

If syncope occurs, consequent loss of consciousness vasovagal syndrome it shouldn’t last long – just long enough for blood circulation and heart rate to stabilize. It is necessary to help the person suffering from the episode, as he may be confused.

Therefore, if you witness a fainting episode, the best course of action is to raise the affected person’s lower limbs so that blood circulation returns as soon as possible and with it, blood pressure returns to ideal levels.

It should be noted that in cases of fainting vasovagal syndrome, Trying to wake the person up with a strong-smelling product like ethyl alcohol or formaldehyde won’t work – this is because the problem that needs to be treated is blood circulation and blood pressure so the person’s senses come back and not just wake them up.

In general, with people vasovagal syndrome manages to live well, but in the event of fainting it is important to take care to avoid the risk of fractures from falls.

Having carriers is also important. Syndrome Seek support from family members, friends, and even psychotherapy to avoid growing feelings of insecurity that can lead to depression and sadness that affect their quality of life.