Vasovagal syncope

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http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vasovagal-syncope/DS00806

Definition

Vasovagal syncope is the most common cause of fainting. It occurs when your body

reacts in an exaggerated way to such triggers as the sight of blood or extreme

emotional distress. The trigger results in a sudden drop in your heart rate and

blood pressure, which reduces blood flow to your brain and causes you to briefly

lose consciousness.

Vasovagal syncope is usually harmless and requires no treatment. But your doctor

may recommend tests to rule out more-serious causes of fainting, such as heart

disorders.

Vasovagal syncope occurs when the part of your nervous system that regulates

heart rate and blood pressure malfunctions in response to a trigger, such as the

sight of blood. Your heart rate slows, and the blood vessels in your legs widen.

This allows blood to pool in your legs, which lowers your blood pressure. This

drop in blood pressure and slowed heart rate quickly cause diminished blood flow

to your brain, and you faint.

Common triggers for vasovagal syncope include:

a.. Standing for long periods of time

b.. Heat exposure

c.. The sight of blood

d.. Having blood drawn

e.. Fear of bodily injury

f.. Exertion, such as straining on the toilet

Treatments and drugs

In most cases of vasovagal syncope, treatment is unnecessary. Your doctor may

help you identify your fainting triggers and discuss ways you can avoid them.

However, if you experience vasovagal syncope often enough to interfere with your

quality of life, your doctor may suggest trying one or more of the following

remedies.

Medications

a.. Blood pressure drugs. Beta blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor) are

designed to treat high blood pressure. However, they are also the type of drug

used most often to prevent vasovagal syncope because they block some of the

signals that can lead to fainting.

b.. Antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and sertraline

(Zoloft) also have been successful in preventing vasovagal syncope.

c.. Blood vessel constrictors. Drugs to treat low blood pressure or asthma

have sometimes been found helpful in preventing vasovagal syncope.

Therapies

Your doctor may recommend specific techniques to decrease the pooling of blood

in the legs. These may include foot exercises, wearing elastic stockings or

tensing your leg muscles when standing. Avoid prolonged standing - especially in

hot, crowded places - and make sure you drink plenty of fluids.

Surgery

Some people with vasovagal syncope have been helped by the insertion of an

electrical pacemaker, which helps regulate the heartbeat.

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