Treatment Methods For Vasovagal Syncope

Vasovagal syncope, also called neurocardiogenic syncope, is a condition in which an individual faints because their body overreacts to specific triggers, like severe emotional distress or the sight of blood. When a patient with vasovagal syncope is exposed to the trigger, their blood pressure and heart rate suddenly drop. As a result, the blood flow to their brain also suddenly falls, and they faint.

While vasovagal syncope by itself is harmless, patients can hurt themselves when they faint. Fainting can also be a symptom of a severe brain or heart disorder, so patients should have their doctor examine them. If a patient feels like they are about to faint, they should lie down with their legs elevated to keep blood from flowing to their brain. If a patient can’t lie down, they should sit and put their head between their knees until they stop feeling like they may faint.

Foot Exercises

Individuals with severe vasovagal syncope also often have a condition called dysautonomia, which causes an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. Exercise, in general, helps patients with dysautonomia because it helps stabilize their autonomic nervous system and thus reduces the number of fainting episodes. Patients should perform moderate aerobic exercise for thirty minutes at least three times a week. Exercise in the feet and lower legs is particularly important, as it will keep blood from accumulating down there and improve circulation back towards the heart.

The doctor may recommend specific foot exercises, and the patient should follow their instructions. The patient should also tense their legs when getting up to help push blood out of the lower body and back to the heart. Some patients have even been able to prevent themselves from fainting by tensing their muscles. Tensing the muscles is believed to reduce dilation of blood vessels and increase the amount of blood being sent back to the heart.

Wear Compression Socks

A patient with vasovagal syncope should wear compression socks to keep blood from accumulating in their legs while they are standing or exercising. It is best to put the socks on in the morning before the legs start to swell. Patients should not wear compression socks while sleeping.

There are many types of compression socks, and doctors can recommend the right strength and length for each patient Compression socks can range from knee-high to waist-high, and the longer ones prevent blood from pooling in more places. Modern compression socks come in many colors and patterns and thus, can look like regular socks. They can also be open-toed or close-toed. While most compression socks are now-latex free, individuals with latex allergies should check anyway.

Increase Salt In Diet

A patient should also increase salt in their diet, as salty foods can help a patient keep the volume of their blood up and somewhat increase their blood pressure. An adult may need to add six grams or one level teaspoon of salt to their food every day. While some salty foods are also healthy, others are fast foods that often contain unhealthy fats. Thus, while adding salt to the diet does help treat vasovagal syncope, it is important to make the healthiest choices possible. Part of this is because being underweight can reduce blood pressure and increase an individual's chances of fainting, and though being overweight can raise blood pressure, it comes with a variety of health issues of its own.

Avoid Prolonged Standing

Another way to prevent a fainting episode due to vasovagal syncope is to identify and avoid triggers. Patients should, for example, avoid prolonged standing, which is a common trigger. Other common triggers of vasovagal syncope include intense pain, the sight of needles or blood, getting too hot, and exercising for a long time.

A patient with vasovagal syncope should also watch for signs of an impending fainting episode. Such symptoms include blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, sweaty palms, pale face, and a sensation of warmth. The patient should sit or lie down so they don’t fall. If they do faint, they should rest a bit after regaining consciousness, as trying to move right away might cause them to faint again.

Drink Lots Of Water

A patient with vasovagal syncope should also drink lots of water, for dehydration increases the risk of fainting. Drinking plenty of fluids will, in general, also help maintain the volume of their blood and thus keep their blood pressure up. Conversely, they should avoid diuretics and other medications that reduce blood pressure. The average healthy adult needs at least 1.5 liters (1.58 quarts) of fluids per day, and they should drink more if they are someplace hot or engage in strenuous physical activity.

Sports drinks can also help a patient stay hydrated, and they also contain glucose and electrolytes. Caffeinated beverages like coffee are a mixed bag. On the one hand, they can increase blood pressure to a small degree, but they are also diuretics and can cause palpitations and a fast heart rate. Consequently, some patients find caffeine beneficial, while others find it makes them feel worse. Patients should also avoid drinking a lot of alcohol, as it can reduce blood pressure and thus increase the risk of fainting. Some patients are notably alcohol intolerant and are therefore more vulnerable to its effects.