Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Syncope ((syncope ⓘ), commonly known as fainting or passing out, is a loss of consciousness and muscle strength characterized by a fast onset, short duration, and spontaneous recovery. [1] It is caused by a decrease in blood flow to the brain , typically from low blood pressure . [ 1 ]
[2] [4] If this is insufficient for treating vasovagal syncope, medications such as midodrine or fludrocortisone may be tried. [4] Occasionally, a cardiac pacemaker may be used as treatment. [2] Reflex syncope affects at least 1 in 1,000 people per year. [1] It is the most common type of syncope, making up more than 50% of all cases. [2]
The San Francisco Syncope Rule (SFSR) is a rule for evaluating the risk of adverse outcomes in patients presenting with fainting or syncope. The mnemonic for features of the rule is CHESS: • C - History of congestive heart failure • H - Hematocrit < 30% • E - Abnormal ECG • S - Shortness of breath • S - Triage systolic blood pressure < 90
Tilt table testing could provoke fainting or syncope. It is the purpose of the test to provoke these symptoms, in order to aid in diagnosis. [ 4 ] It may not be appropriate, or indeed even possible, to stop the test before fainting occurs, as the drop in blood pressure or pulse rate associated with fainting can come on in seconds.
The pain is agitated by expansion and contraction of the chest. Taking a deep breath and allowing the rib cage to fully expand can relieve the pain, however it will feel unpleasant initially. At the point of full expansion, it can feel like a rubber band snap in the chest, after which the initial pain subsides.
Orthostatic syncope refers to syncope resulting from a postural decrease in blood pressure, termed orthostatic hypotension. [1]Orthostatic hypotension occurs when there is a persistent reduction in blood pressure of at least 20mmHg systolic or 10mmHg diastolic within three minutes of standing or being upright to 60 degrees on the head-up tilt table.
Chest pain is a common presenting problem. Overall chest pain is responsible for an estimated 6% of all emergency department visits in the United States and is the most common reason for hospital admission. [44] Chest pain is also very common in primary care clinics, representing 1-3% of all visits. [59]
Lightheadedness is very similar to pre-syncope. Pre-syncope is the immediate stage before syncope (fainting), particularly in cases of temporary visual field loss (i.e. vision getting "dark" or "closing in").