Reflex Syncope Symptoms & Treatment in Sugar Land, TX
Fainting Symptoms & Treatment in Sugar Land, TX
Syncope is synonymous with fainting. In most cases, syncope causes nothing more than a temporary loss of consciousness. However, when fainting or loss of consciousness is associated with cardiac symptoms, it becomes cause for concern. To protect your health if you are experiencing fainting episodes, look to Complete Cardiology Care for cardiac syncope treatment in Sugar Land, TX.
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What Is Syncope?
Syncope is the medical term used to describe fainting. It is defined by a momentary loss of consciousness followed by a prompt recovery. The majority of people who faint have no reason to be alarmed. In contrast, certain symptoms may indicate a complex, underlying medical condition.
The Prevalence of Fainting
Fainting, or blacking out, is a common condition. In fact, 3% of men and 3.5% of women will experience fainting during their life. These numbers increase with age, affecting 6% of individuals over 75. Onset can happen at any age in both men and women with and without subsequent medical conditions.
Why Does Fainting Happen?
Fainting can occur due to an abrupt systemic change that causes decreased blood flow to the brain. This may happen when a person experiences the following:
- Abrupt blood pressure drops
- Sudden heart rate drops
- Changes to the amount of blood in various areas of the body
- Underlying medical conditions
Types of Fainting Episodes
Loss of consciousness and fainting are generally acute occurrences. However, there are other forms that serve as symptoms of neurological or cardiac abnormalities. The different types of syncope include:
- Vasovagal syncope
- Situational syncope
- Postural or orthostatic syncope
- Cardiac syncope
- Neurologic syncope
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
- Syncope with unknown cause
Vasovagal Syncope
Vasovagal syncope is a reflex syncope. It causes strong or untimely reactions to what is happening around you due to autonomic nervous system inefficiency. The autonomic nervous system self-regulates fight-or-flight and rest-and-digest responses, but this system becomes hyperactive, causing sudden blood pressure and heart rate reactions that trigger fainting.
Situational Syncope
Situational syncope is a type of vasovagal syncope. This type of fainting happens when the nervous system becomes disrupted, causing a spike in blood pressure and heart rate. Causes may include dehydration, hunger, alcohol or drug use, hyperventilation, forceful coughing, pain, and extreme emotions, such as anxiety, stress, or fear.
Postural or Orthostatic Syncope
Also referred to as postural or orthostatic hypotension, this type of fainting involves a drop in blood pressure caused by physical movement. These episodes may occur when abruptly switching positions, such as standing too quickly after lying down. However, these issues may also be caused by dehydration and certain types of medications.
Cardiac Syncope
Fainting due to heart abnormalities, blood vessel conditions, or other cardiac complications is known as cardiac syncope. These underlying conditions compromise the blood flow to the brain, resulting in fainting attacks. Cardiac causes may include arrhythmia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, myocardial ischemia, heart failure, blood clots, and aortic stenosis.
Neurologic Syncope
Neurological conditions can lead to the development of neurologic syncope. This condition is primarily seen in individuals who have experienced a stroke, neurocardiogenic syncope seizures, epilepsy, and transient ischemic attack. It can also impact those with less prevalent conditions, including normal pressure hydrocephalus and migraines.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, better known as POTS, is a form of chronic syncope. Individuals with POTS typically have an abnormally elevated heart rate, called tachycardia. With tachycardia, standing after lying down or sitting triggers the heart rate to rapidly increase by more than 30 beats per minute, leading to fainting.
Unknown Syncope Causes
Approximately 33% of people experiencing fainting episodes do not have a definitive reason behind their condition. In some cases, it may be a side effect of certain medications. However, that is not believed to be the sole factor at play.
Symptoms of Fainting
Cardiac, neurologic, and reflex syncope symptoms may vary. However, conditions that cause loss of consciousness share symptom commonalities, including:
- Temporary loss of consciousness/blacking out
- Lightheaded sensations
- Dizziness and/or numbness
- Rapid heart rate
- Fainting post-meal or exercise
- Feeling groggy or drowsy
- Unexplainable falling/loss of balance
- Clammy or extremely cold/hot skin
- Unsteadiness/weakness
- Tunnel vision or seeing spots
- Headaches
What to Do if You Feel Like Fainting
Prior to loss of consciousness, you will likely experience warning signs that indicate you’re about to faint. When you notice you’re feeling lightheaded, clammy, or experiencing any other symptoms, lay down on your back and raise your legs above your head. This position can prevent fainting and protect against sudden falls.
When to See a Cardiologist
A sudden onset of fainting that cannot be connected to episodes resulting from hunger, intense emotions, or dehydration should be assessed by a cardiologist. If you experience fainting followed by severe chest pain, pressure, trouble breathing, or jaw pain, it’s imperative to call 911 and visit your cardiologist when you are cleared.
Diagnosing Fainting Episodes
Complete Cardiology Care offers comprehensive evaluations. Our diagnosis involves a physical assessment and consultation to review your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms. We then assess the heart’s condition, heart rate, blood volume, and blood flow with diagnostic procedures including:
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Stress tests
- Echocardiogram
- Ambulatory monitor
- Tilt table test
- Autonomic reflex testing
Fainting Treatment Options
Fainting treatment depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Situational and reflex syncope treatment serves to identify and mitigate triggers to prevent recurring episodes. This may involve lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, improved sleep positions, and compression garments. In contrast, neurocardiogenic syncope treatment and cardiac syncope treatment involve more intricate medical interventions.
Cardiac Syncope Treatment
Complete Cardiology Care provides a diverse range of cardiac syncope treatment options. Depending on the nature of your condition, we may recommend one or a combination of the following treatment modalities:
- Lifestyle and habit modifications
- Biofeedback training to manage rapid heartbeats
- Structural heart disease treatment
- Pacemaker implantation
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement
- Medications including midodrine or fludrocortisone
Partner With Complete Cardiology Care
If you believe that you’re experiencing a potentially harmful form of fainting related to your cardiac function, you’ve come to the right place. Complete Cardiology Care is your source for advanced cardiac syncope treatment in Sugar Land, TX. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.