Fainting and Syncope: Causes and Prevention

Fainting (syncope) is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. It affects up to 40% of people at some point and ranges from benign to life-threatening in etiology.

The most common type is vasovagal syncope, triggered by emotional stress, pain, prolonged standing, or heat. Other causes include dehydration, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, and structural heart disease.

Prevention strategies include staying well hydrated, avoiding prolonged standing, rising slowly from lying or sitting, recognizing personal triggers, and wearing compression stockings.

Any fainting with chest pain, palpitations, no obvious trigger, during exercise, or in a person with heart disease warrants urgent cardiac evaluation.

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