Vasovagal Syncope: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

 

Vasovagal Syncope is a type of condition that occurs when your body overreacts to some trigger points. Such as many people faint after seeing so much blood or maybe with emotional distress. It may also be called neurocardiogenic syncope.

 

The vasovagal increases your heartbeat, and your blood pressure drops too quickly. This ends up in low blood flow to the brain and causes you to lose consciousness. This is usually considered a harmless condition and requires no immediate medical attention. It's also very likely to get injured after having a vasovagal syncope attack. As you lose consciousness, you may get hit by something. 

 

Vasovagal Syncope Causes 

Vasovagal syncope occurs only in the small part of your brain (nervous system) responsible for your heart rate and blood pressure. This leads to a slow heart rate, and the blood vessels in your legs dilate (widen), which pools up the blood in your legs and lowers the blood pressure in the body, and you faint. Sometimes there is no classical vasovagal syncope trigger, but common triggers include:

• Standing for long periods


• Heat exposure


• Seeing blood


• Having blood drawn


• Fear of bodily injury


• Straining, such as having a bowel movement

 

Vasovagal Syncope Symptoms

There are many symptoms, and the most common ones are very hard to identify as they could be a symptom of many other conditions. Vasovagal syncope is very rare to occur if you are lying, this usually attacks when you are standing or sitting. It is common with specific triggers like having your blood drawn.

 

Vasovagal Syncope Treatment

There is no such accurate treatment for vasovagal episodes, and you may be unable to avoid it. This is likely to happen once in everyone’s life. This condition involves a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to fainting. It often occurs in response to a trigger, such as seeing blood or experiencing intense emotional distress.

 

The first instance of experiencing vasovagal syncope, where you have passed out without any previous history, is a critical reason to seek medical attention. This is a new experience for your body, and it's crucial to identify the cause and rule out any potentially serious underlying conditions.

 

Similarly, if you've never had vasovagal syncope before, but you've had several instances where you've come close to fainting, it's important to have a conversation with a healthcare professional. Recurring episodes of nearly passing out could indicate an issue that requires medical attention, and it's better to be proactive about your health than reactive.

 

Furthermore, if you have been previously diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, but you notice that the symptoms accompanying your attacks change or that your attacks have become more frequent, it's crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider. Changes in your symptoms or an increase in the frequency of your attacks may suggest a need to adjust your treatment plan or investigate the possibility of other health conditions.

 

Duration of Vasovagal Syncope

Regarding the duration of vasovagal syncope, it varies among individuals. For many people, vasovagal syncope might occur just once in their lifetime. However, in certain cases where specific triggers are involved, such as the sight of blood or severe stress, it could be a lifelong condition. Those experiencing repeated attacks of vasovagal syncope should consult with their healthcare provider or book an appointment with a specialist doctor to get a clear understanding of what to expect and how to manage this condition in the long term.

 

How serious is Vasovagal Syncope?

Vasovagal syncope, in itself, is generally not life-threatening. This condition is brought on by an overreaction of the body's natural reflexes, leading to a sudden decrease in blood pressure and heart rate that causes fainting. Despite the reflex being natural, the problem arises when it triggers too strongly or at inappropriate times.

 

However, it's vital to remember that while vasovagal syncope may not be life-threatening, the act of fainting without any prior warning could potentially lead to injuries from falls or accidents, especially if you're involved in activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Furthermore, a myriad of serious or life-threatening conditions could cause fainting episodes. Thus, if you don't have a history of fainting and you suddenly experience a blackout, it's critical to identify the cause of these episodes and rule out the possibility of a more severe problem.