What is vasovagal syncope?
Also known as the "common faint," vasovagal syncope (pronounced vay-zoh-Vay-gul Sing-kuh-pee) results from an abnormal circulatory reflex and could be caused by a number of factors:
- Environment: The individual was in a hot and/or crowded setting
- Emotional: High stress or feeling threatened
- Physical: Standing too long, or getting up too quickly from a sitting position
- Illness: Fatigue, low blood sugar, dehydration or other illnesses
In vasovagal syncope, the heart pumps more forcefully and the blood vessels relax. However, the heart rate does not compensate enough to maintain blood flow. In other words, the heart rate slows, and the blood vessels in the person's legs widen (dilate). This allows blood to pool in the legs, which lowers blood pressure. The combination of the drop in blood pressure and slowed heart rate quickly reduces blood flow to the brain, and then the person experiences a fainting episode.
Unlike a seizure, the person who faints usually regains alertness soon after regaining consciousness. Three percent of adults age 30-62 have an episode of syncope, but 6% of those older than 75 faint. Syncope accounts for 1% to 3% of emergency department visits and 1% to 6% of hospital admissions. The biggest risk is in people with heart disease, especially those with congestive heart failure or coronary heart disease. (Alzheimer's Library)
Oftentimes, there are no real causes for vasovagal syncope, but common triggers could include standing for long periods of time, excessive heat exposure, dehydration, having blood drawn, or straining, such as to have a bowel movement.
For the Alzheimer's affected individual, it might be difficult for the caregiver to ascertain when an episode of fainting will occur. The caregiver can look for some signs if their loved one is experiencing the following: pale skin and lightheadedness, feeling warm, yawning a lot, having cold and clammy skin, or getting nauseated. If signs are eminent for a fainting occurrence, the caregiver should have his/her loved one lie down and lift their legs. When vasovagal syncope occurs, caregivers might observe a jerky, abnormal movement of their loved one and/or dilated pupils in the eyes, and also the pulse of the affected individual will be slow and weak. Generally, the recovery from the episode will occur in less than a minute.
Most diagnoses of vasovagal syncope are made through a thorough medical history and physical exam, along with ECG testing. Keep in mind that vasovagal syncope/fainting can also be a sign of a more serious condition, so a doctor should be kept abreast of the affected individual's history with the episodes.