What should you know about hypertension syncope treatment?

Syncope is a brief loss of consciousness from temporarily reduced blood flow to the brain. It may follow standing quickly, dehydration, heat, pain or a reflex response. Blood-pressure treatment can contribute if pressure falls after a dose, illness or fluid loss. An abnormal heart rhythm is another possibility, so hypertension does not explain every episode.

After fainting, lie down safely and avoid driving, heights and bathing alone until reviewed. Do not stop or double medicine without advice. A clinician may review medicines, hydration, posture-related readings, heart rate and the event itself. Bring an episode record and witness account. Ongoing hypertension still needs control to protect against Stroke and Heart Failure.

Call emergency services for fainting with chest pain, severe breathlessness, palpitations, serious injury, new weakness, confusion, trouble speaking or persistent unresponsiveness. Prompt review is also needed when it happens during exercise, without warning or again.

Ask whether a medicine or dehydration contributed, how to check posture-related pressure, when driving can resume, and whether heart-rhythm testing is needed.