Consult an Expert about Syncope
Fainting out of the blue is not normal. It is a cause of concern not just for you, but to the people around you as well. If you have been experiencing syncope (the medical term used when referring to losing consciousness or passing out), you should not ignore it as it may be a warning sign of a possible heart problem.
Don’t put your heart in danger. If you think that you may have syncope, it’s important that you seek medical assistance from Apex Heart and Vascular Center as soon as possible. We have a team of experts who can help you overcome syncope and treat any heart problems connected to it at the same time.
Common Questions You May Have About
What is syncope?
Also known as fainting, syncope may be brought on by the temporary decrease of blood flow to the brain due to decreased levels of blood pressure, a sudden drop in heart rate, or a change in the volume of blood in the body. This symptom may sometimes be benign, but it can also be an indication of a much more serious medical condition.
What causes syncope?
Syncope has a great variety of causes which range from harmless ones to ones that are more life-threatening.
Some of the benign causes of syncope include:
- Dehydration
- Overexposure to heat
- Profuse sweating
- Exhaustion
- Emotional stress
- Pooling of blood at the legs (due to remaining in a standing position for a long time)
Life-threatening conditions that can cause syncope include:
- Bradycardia
- Tachycardia
- Heart problems
- Lung disorders
- Neurologic conditions
- Presence of an obstruction to blood flow
Syncope may also be triggered by certain medications. Apart from that, it may indicate a serious disorder if it occurs during exercise or is associated with a family history.
What tests are used to diagnose the cause of syncope?
To determine the reason behind syncope, your doctor will have to start by taking a medical history from you. Next, they will conduct a physical exam as well. Following that, they may request for additional tests such as:
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Blood tests
– It is a test performed in order to check for anemia and other related disorders.
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An electrocardiogram (EKG)
– It is a non-invasive procedure which makes use of electrodes to read and interpret the activity of your heart.
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An echocardiogram
– It is a diagnostic procedure which employs soundwaves in order to produce images of your heart.
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Cardiac stress tests
– It is a procedure which aims to measure how well your heart is able to function under various levels of stress.
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Tilt table test
– It is a test that is designed to monitor a patient’s cardiovascular response when the body is being subjected to a change in position.