Causes of vasovagal syncope and how to respond to symptoms

Causes of vasovagal syncope

and how to respond to symptoms

While commuting to work or heading home, you may suddenly feel dizzy on the subway, feel nauseous, and have blurred vision.

If you are usually in good health but experience warning signs such as sudden dizziness and clouded consciousness, you may want to suspect vasovagal syncope.

Let’s take a look at what causes vasovagal syncope, its symptoms, and how to respond when symptoms occur.

Vasovagal syncope is one of the common types of fainting and can occur mainly when physical or mental tension is extreme.

An adult’s heart usually beats regularly about 70 times per minute, but if the pulse and blood pressure suddenly drop for some reason, the amount of blood flowing to the brain decreases, and you may briefly lose consciousness and collapse.

This is called vasovagal syncope, and the name comes from the fact that the cause of fainting is related to the vagal reflex.

Factors that can trigger vasovagal syncope, that is, factors that reduce blood flow to the brain, include excessive stress, strong odors, and tension.

In particular, you may see people suddenly collapse on the subway during their commute. In such cases, pressure and stuffiness may have caused stimulation, leading to low blood pressure and collapse.

In addition, standing for a long time under hot sunlight or engaging in intense exercise can also be causes of vasovagal syncope.

The symptoms of vasovagal syncope vary. First, before fainting, you may feel dizzy and nauseous.

You may also break out in a cold sweat, and in some cases there are warning signs such as a feeling of fullness in the ears or pale skin.

In addition, your vision may narrow like a tunnel or become blurred, you may feel very fatigued, and you may have a faint, dizzy feeling before fainting.

Therefore, if you break out in a cold sweat, feel nauseous, and become mentally confused before fainting occurs, you should take actions that can help prevent fainting and manage the symptoms.

First, if there is an environment where you can lie down, it is best to quickly lie down and keep your legs raised higher than your body.

If lying down is not possible, it is better to squat rather than stand, and crossing your legs may also help manage the symptoms.

It is also important to prevent vasovagal syncope symptoms in everyday life. It is good to maintain proper eating habits and stay well hydrated.

In addition, it is best to avoid standing for long periods when you are tired, and managing stress so that it does not build up in daily life can help prevent symptoms.

We have looked at the causes and symptoms of vasovagal syncope, as well as ways to respond when symptoms occur. Please refer to the above and manage your symptoms accordingly.