Syncope, A Simple Guide to the Condition, Treatment and Related Diseases

Syncope is the medical term for losing consciousnessIt is not a disease but a symptom of fainting sicknessIt usually occur after the age of 40 without painIt is due to a drop of blood flow to the brainMany forms of syncope are preceded by dizzinessThere may be loss of vision and temporary weaknessThere may be a feeling of heat, palpitations, sweatingThere may be emotional distress, nausea and vomiting, There are 3 main causes of the syncope conditionCardiac, neural reflex and orthostatic hypotensionPhysical examination and ECG are part of the initial evaluationOne best way is implantable loop recorders and hospitalizationTreatment may be just reassurance and educationAvoid prolonged standing in a hot environmentSquatting down on the heels can be very effectiveOr sit down with the head between the knees.-An original poem by Kenneth KeeInteresting Tips about the SyncopeA Healthy Lifestyle1.
Take a well Balanced Diet2. Treatment of Syncope:a. Reassurance and education are usually all that is required.b. Avoid potential triggers likely to induce syncope - e.g., prolonged standing in a hot environment or having a long hot bath. Take action at the first warning sign of collapse:a. If it is imminent, lie down flat with the legs up on a chair or against a wall or sit down with the head between the knees.b.
Squatting down on the heels can be very effective and is less noticeable in public. These techniques help move venous blood that has pooled in the limbs aiding circulation to the brain. When feeling better, get up carefully. If symptoms return, resume the position. Treatment may be required if syncope is very frequent, the patient is at risk of injury as attacks are unpredictable, or if syncope occurs during high-risk activities such as driving.3.
Keep bones and body strongBone marrow produces our bloodEat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables. Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk. Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruitsZinc and other minerals are important to the body4. Get enough rest and SleepAvoid stress and tension5. Exercise and stay active.
It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 2oe hours a week. One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman. Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone.
Alcohol can affect the neurons and brain cells.7. Stop or do not begin smoking. It also interferes with blood supply and healing. Chapter 1SyncopeSyncope is a temporary loss of consciousness resulting from inadequate cerebral blood supply. Causes:A. Vasomotor:1. Vagal slowing of heart and reduction of blood pressure from fear, severe pain or psychogenic disturbance2. Hemorrhage or circulatory fluid loss from burns3.
Postural hypotension - blood pressure drops from sleeping or sitting position to upright position4. Vasoactive drugs such as anti-hypertensive (prazosin, methyl dopa) and heart medicines (nitrites, adrenergic blockers)5. Carotid sinus compressionB. Cardiac:1. Asystole or heart blockage2. Sudden arrhythmias with high ventricular rate3. Heart valve prosthesis4. Aortic stenosis with exertion5. Cardiogenic shock following myocar...