Chronic vasovagal syncope: what to know

A vasovagal episode can briefly reduce blood flow to the brain when the body overreacts to a trigger. Warning signs may include warmth, nausea, sweating, light-headedness, tunnel vision, or ringing in the ears. Episodes can be encouraged by Dehydration, prolonged standing, pain, or emotional stress. Anaemia, Hypoglycaemia, and heart rhythm problems such as Atrial Fibrillation can also cause faintness or collapse, so repeated blackouts should not be labelled vasovagal without assessment.

At the first warning, lie down and raise your legs, or sit with your head lowered if lying down is unsafe. Loosen tight clothing, move away from heat, and ask someone to stay nearby. After recovery, rise slowly and replace fluids if appropriate. Keep a record of triggers, posture, warning symptoms, injuries, medicines, and recovery time. Arrange medical review after recurrent episodes, especially if they occur without warning.

Call emergency services for fainting during exercise, chest pain, severe breathlessness, palpitations, seizure-like activity, serious injury, prolonged confusion, or failure to wake normally. Urgent assessment is also needed when a blackout happens while lying down, has no warning, or affects someone with known heart disease.

Ask whether your history fits vasovagal syncope, whether blood pressure and heart rhythm checks are needed, and how to reduce personal triggers. Discuss driving, workplace hazards, and medicines that may lower blood pressure.