OVERVIEW
Vasovagal occurs when you faint because your body overreacts to certain triggers. Vasovagal syncope is the most common type of reflex syncope, which happens for reasons you obviously cannot control. It is also called neurocardiogenic syncope because it’s caused by factors involving the heart, brain or both. The vasovagal syncope trigger causes your heart rate and blood pressure to drop suddenly. That leads to reduced blood flow to your brain, causing you to briefly lose consciousness. Vasovagal is usually harmless and requires no treatment but you may harm yourself during an episode.
Symptoms
- Change in skin colors
- Lightheadedness
- upset stomach
- feeling warm
- a cold, clammy sweat
- tunnel vision
- blurred vision
Causes
The common triggers of vasovagal syncope include:
- heat exposure
- seeing blood
- standing for long periods of time
- having blood drawn
- fear of bodily injury
- straining such as to pass stool
Vasovagal syncope can happen without a trigger. During an episode your heart rate slows, and the blood vessels in your legs widen. This allows blood to pool in your legs, which lowers your blood pressure. The drop in blood pressure and slowed heart rate quickly reduce blood flow to your brain and you faint.
Prevention
If you feel like you might faint, lie down and lift your legs. This allows gravity to keep blood flowing to your brain. If you can’t lie down, sit down and put your head between your knees until you feel better.