Syncope

Syncope isn't typically a disease but a symptom of a more serious or underlying medical condition. Our expert team of cardiologists at HeartCare Texas identifies the cause of syncope through medical evaluation and proper diagnosis. This helps us determine the appropriate treatment and prevent future episodes.

What is syncope?

Syncope involves fainting or passing out, caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. It can happen for various reasons, such as a sudden drop in blood pressure, dehydration, heart problems, or even emotional stress. Syncope episodes are usually brief and resolve spontaneously once blood flow to the brain is restored.

What are the causes of syncope?

Different types of syncope occur for various reasons, such as:

Vasovagal syncope: This is the most common type and often occurs due to a sudden drop in blood pressure triggered by factors such as emotional stress or pain.
Orthostatic hypotension: This happens when there's a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing up, leading to inadequate blood flow to the brain.
Cardiac syncope: This type is related to heart problems, such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), structural heart diseases, or other cardiovascular conditions.
Neurological syncope: Certain neurological conditions or disorders can also lead to fainting episodes.
Other causes: Syncope can also occur due to dehydration, medication side effects, blood loss, or other medical conditions.

What are the symptoms of syncope?

Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a minute
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Nausea
Headaches
Blurred vision or tunnel vision (seeing only what's in front of you)
Weakness when standing

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors for syncope include:

Heart conditions like structural heart disease, ischemic heart disease, congenital heart disease, or previous arrhythmias
Palpitations
Fainting during physical activity
Family history of sudden cardiac death at an age below 50

Syncope treatment at HeartCare Texas

At HeartCare Texas, the treatment of syncope typically involves a comprehensive approach that includes:

Medical Evaluation: When a patient presents with syncope, our cardiologists conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. This evaluation may include taking a detailed medical history, performing a physical examination, and ordering diagnostic tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitoring, echocardiogram, tilt table test, or blood tests.

Diagnosis: Based on the results of the medical evaluation and diagnostic tests, our healthcare providers diagnose the cause of syncope. This may involve identifying underlying medical conditions such as heart rhythm disorders, structural heart disease, neurological disorders, or other factors contributing to syncope.

Treatment Plan: Once the underlying cause of syncope is identified, our team develops a treatment plan tailored to the individual patient's needs. This plan may include lifestyle changes, medication management, implantable devices, or other interventions aimed at reducing the risk of syncope episodes.

Follow-up Care: Patients with syncope typically require regular follow-up care to monitor their condition and adjust treatment as needed. This may involve periodic medical evaluations, diagnostic tests, or medication adjustments for further evaluation and management.

Emergency Response: HeartCare Texas can handle syncope emergencies if a patient experiences a fainting episode at the facility. Our staff members are trained to provide immediate medical assistance, including assessing the patient's condition, administering first aid if necessary, and initiating appropriate interventions to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.

Schedule a consultation with us today for syncope treatment.