Vasovagal syncope: what it is and symptoms of the syndrome that causes fainting | health

A common situation in everyday life are cases of fainting, or rather, syncope caused by heat, increased abdominal strength (when evacuating, for example), seeing blood, etc. With this in mind, let’s understand what syncope or vasovagal syndrome is, which is characterized by a temporary loss of consciousness, that is, by fainting caused by a decrease in blood pressure and heartbeat due to the action of the vagus nerve.

Vasovagal syncope is caused by a delay in the arrival of blood to the heart and brain: an abnormal stimulation of the vagus nerve can cause the heart to slow down and an abrupt drop in blood pressure, temporarily reducing the arrival of blood and oxygen to the brain and the heart. It is a relatively common condition, which affects around 30% of the population, and most of the time this happens without major repercussions, in people without any illness.

Risk factors for syncope include:

• Closed or crowded environments with a lot of heat;
• Fasting;
• Standing hours;
• Anxiety;
• Excessive alcoholic beverages;
• Force to evacuate;
• See blood;
• Little hydration;
• Big scares and strong emotions.

The syndrome, as said, does not necessarily mean organic disease. Most of the time, it is benign and can only be dangerous in the case of a fall with the head hitting the ground. But it is extremely important to exclude conditions such as epilepsy, autonomic neuropathies, cerebrovascular disease and cardiac or endocrine disorders, which can also cause syncope. It is necessary to investigate so that these underlying diseases can be ruled out or, if diagnosed, treated.

The first changes are:

• Weakness
• Perspiration
• Pallor
• Heat
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Visual blurring
• Headache
• Palpitations

Finally, comes the faint. However, many times there are no such changes and the person faints and falls without protecting themselves, remaining unconscious for minutes and returning to consciousness without knowing what happened. One sign is injuries to the face, as there was no protection during the fall.

Your diagnosis is confirmed through a medical consultation and an exam called TILT TEST.

There is no specific treatment for vasovagal syndrome.

Treatment involves awareness of the problem, physical exercises and postural measures to increase cardiac output and venous return, controlling pressure and heart rate. However, in severe cases, medications may be prescribed to prevent a drop in blood pressure, but care is generally behavioral.

For vasovagal syndrome, sport and physical exercise are the best medicine. The problem is when there are syncope situations during sports, which needs to be investigated, as it could be a symptom of complex arrhythmia.

The Tilt Table Test, or tilted table test, is an exam that was developed to help clarify dysautonomia conditions, manifested mainly by episodes of syncope, pre-syncope or dizziness of possible vasovagal etiology, that is, related to sudden drops in blood pressure. pressure and/or heart rate.

People with this syndrome learn to avoid certain environments and control situations that can trigger it.

In general, people with vasovagal syndrome live well. However, if due care is not taken, the risk of fractures resulting from falls due to fainting and the feeling of insecurity increase, which can lead to depression and sadness.

5 exercises to strengthen your calves

1. Do physical resistance and aerobic exercises;
2. Use elastic stockings;
3. Avoid standing for long periods;
4. Drink plenty of water (2 liters per day), as it helps to increase blood pressure and prolong the ability to stand for longer;
5. Avoid prolonged fasts;
6. Moderate the consumption of dehydrating drinks, such as alcohol;
7. Try to avoid hot and closed environments;
8. Move your legs and calves while standing;
9. If you start to feel something strange, lie down with your legs elevated or squat;
10. If you are going to faint, lie down or get closer to the ground so you don’t hurt yourself in the fall.

Importantly, in all cases of syncope, a medical evaluation is mandatory, as there are other forms of syncope, which can be serious and require more intensive care.

* The information and opinions expressed in this text are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily correspond to the point of view of ge / Eu Atleta.