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Don't try to diagnose yourself; seek immediate medical attention if you lose consciousness. Fainting can be alarming, and it should be. While often the cause of fainting is something minor, fainting also can be a sign of a serious underlying medical concern.
Fainting, or syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a lowered blood flow to the brain. Various conditions can trigger fainting, ranging from mild to serious.
Fainting, or passing out, usually happens because of a drop in blood pressure, which reduces blood flow and oxygen to your brain. Most fainting spells are nothing to worry about. But talk to a healthcare provider if you lose consciousness repeatedly or have any other symptoms.
When should I worry about fainting? While occasional fainting is harmless, if you’re older and have certain risk factors, more than one episode of fainting could signal a dangerous problem with your heart. Fainting, when associated with exercise or exertion, shouldn’t be taken lightly, either.
Eating regular meals, staying well hydrated, not standing in one place for too long, taking deep breaths, and managing anxiety can all help prevent a fainting episode.
Passing out with absolutely no warning is uncommon, but when it happens, doctors worry about heart rhythm problems — a more serious cause of fainting, McGowan says. Most people will have...
Research. Clinical Trials. Journal Articles. Resources. Find an Expert. For You. Children. Teenagers. Older Adults. Patient Handouts. Summary. Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness. If you're about to faint, you'll feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous. Your field of vision may "white out" or "black out." Your skin may be cold and clammy.
The best way to know if you should worry about a fainting spell is to see a doctor. At Temple's Heart & Vascular Institute, we see patients who've been referred by a primary care doctor who believes fainting may be because of a serious heart problem.
Fainting is caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain. Usually the cause of fainting is not serious. For example, being dehydrated (not having enough fluid in the body), being too hot, being in a crowded room or feeling intense emotion can cause a person to faint.
Fainting occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough blood for a brief time. This causes loss of consciousness. Consciousness is usually regained quickly. Fainting might have no medical significance. Or the cause can be a serious disorder, occasionally involving the heart.