What should you know about exercise syncope?

Syncope is a brief loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. It may follow overheating, dehydration, sudden stopping, or inadequate food intake, but fainting during exertion can also be linked with a heart rhythm or circulation problem. Anaemia and Hypoglycaemia may contribute to weakness or collapse, while Atrial Fibrillation is one rhythm issue a clinician may consider.

The sequence is useful: note whether warning signs came first, whether the blackout happened while exercising or after stopping, how quickly awareness returned, and whether there were palpitations, chest symptoms, injury, or unusual movements.

Lay the person flat and raise their legs when appropriate. Keep the area clear, check breathing, and place an unconscious but breathing person on their side. Do not offer food, drink, or medicines until they are fully awake. The person should not resume strenuous exercise until a clinician has assessed the cause.

Arrange prompt medical review even when the episode was brief. Bring a list of medicines and describe recent illness, fluid intake, meals, family history, and any previous blackouts.

Call emergency services for delayed recovery, breathing difficulty, chest pain, a sustained racing or irregular heartbeat, serious injury, seizure-like activity, or another blackout. Fainting during exertion or without a warning phase needs urgent attention.

Ask what caused the event, whether heart monitoring or blood tests are needed, how to reduce recurrence risk, and what activity restrictions apply while testing is arranged.