How can I prevent a syncopal episode?

Prof. Richard Sutton, Professor of Clinical Cardiology, Imperial College London, STARS Medical Advisory Committee, provides information and advice on how to prevent a syncopal (fainting) episode for patients with Reflex Syncope.
For further information on how to manage syncope, visit www.stars.org.uk

[@kathleenramirez2379]

Tried this method today, and it completely saved me from terrible embarrassment at work. Thank you for this!

[@gabesmith5139]

Facts, I get it at school and I get so embarrassed to cause a scene

[@princetamrac1180]

Fainting is not emberrasing

[@amazingautumn12]

Medical conditions are NOT embarrassing. It's unfortunate and frustrating for the one that's suffering but NOT embarrassing

[@418Ryan]

​@@gabesmith5139same bro. how do you prevent it

[@Mrafflue9t]

It happened to me at work. I felt dizzy and put my head on the table but woke up on the floor and people around me. I’m embarrassed and scared to go back to work again as I feel it will happen again.

[@betsygosnell3847]

Thank you. I recently had a syncope episode at the check out line in a popular dept store. I had a dress on....guestion....they took me to ER...why does it take me so long to recover....I have an appointment in November with a Vanderbilt specialist. This is happening more often...I have had several overlapping diagnosis.... POTs, Nuerocardiogenic Syncope, Afib, Vasovagal, Hypokalemia, Orthostatic Hypotention, Supine Hypertention...the list goes on. I am 70 now, but have suffered from this for a long time. I am afraid of leave my safety zone, my home. I am continually visiting medical sites and learning all the preventative measures. Yours today is most helpful, thank you! It is a very terrifying condition. Thank you for allowing me to vent....God Bless You 7 months is so far away...

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Thank you for contacting STARS and sharing your recent medical experiences with the Charity, please contact our Patient Services Team who will be more than happy to offer support and advice: [e-mail]

[@Igbeka]

This happened to me while playing football. I just dropped in front of everybody and woke up after about 20 seconds. Felt woozy for about 5 seconds, felt the drop in my blood pressure but I kept walking. Now I know to rest immediately to prevent collapsing. Wish everyone the best as we navigate through this.

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us, if you would like support or advice, please do not hesitate to contact the patient services team at [e-mail] or visit our webpage www.heartrhythmalliance.org/stars/uk/ for helpful information and patient resources

[@indranichoudhury7597]

I get this from time to time , last one was day before yesterday. I can feel it when it comes , that's a blessing.

[@julianmiller5219]

This started happening to my daughter about 3 months ago. She’s 15 and plays basketball but hasn’t been able to play due to her episodes. It doesn’t take long for her to have them once she starts trying to play so she just had to stop until we can get it under control. She can feel them coming on so she’ll sit down and try to rest but she eventually passes out anyways and when she wakes up she doesn’t remember much. It’s very frustrating and painful to see your child go through something like this. She was invited to a scouting camp May 6th where there will be a lot of college coaches in attendance and she can’t even go now. Hopefully her doctor will figure out something that helps her get these episodes under control soon.

[@sarahwind5206]

Thanks. I have POTS and any information on syncope helps tremendously.

[@Streetplayer123]

So KZbin becoming my doctor. Still cheaper than going to a real one. 😬

[@djmax2572]

feels better to just realize I am not alone. Trousers is one thing. I have destroyed/torn/soiled a lot of good clothes by falling. I fainted crossing the street. I am lucky to be alive!! Several times I ended up falling next to something sharp. Lifting legs is a great suggestion. But as for me, I don't have warnings sometimes at all!!! I collapse out of the blue. 1 time I was crossing a busy street with my baby!!

[@Turtle-xk5qt]

It’s so good to see other people with the same problems as me (not saying that it’s good that people are going through this) it’s refreshing to know I’m not alone

[@krystingrant6292]

Wow omg 😩😩😩

[@engr.msjalal9092]

My doctor advised me to set up ICD? Is it really necessary? What British Doctor said about to set up ICD DEVICE?

[@junusavior65]

Yep, I'm with you too. When I found out that the problem I have dealt with since 10 years old (I'm 36 now)was an actual condition it helped me greatly. Always so embarrassing when it happens around people. I hate it. But yes, we are not alone. :)

[@healingyourself333]

Feel better i felt I was the only one

[@rogerdodger5415]

I read all the comments. That’s crazy stuff. I’m not sure my case is really syncope, there don’t seem to be any triggers, but a similar thing happens. I think what mine is, is result of a medically caused brain injury. My blood volume can run low, heart starts racing, ears ring, start getting tunnel vision. I have to lie down before I fall down. I raise my feet if I can. Three times I have gotten an IV then I pop back to normal and I’m good for weeks or maybe months. It’s certainly not a fun condition. I wish you all the best of luck! 🍀👍

[@patriciairwin9491]

Dehydration.

[@krystingrant6292]

Maybe dehydration 🤔 sounds similar to me and my son we have to drink Gatorade once a week.

[@joycedistler4332]

Look up vagus nerv and Dr John a Bergman on KZbin

[@jandolinmarks]

@@patriciairwin9491 excessive urination can deplete essential electrolytes.

[@jandolinmarks]

The attacks are frightening. My face goes white. I do get to a chair quickly. I have attacks of presyncope several times a year, and I have irregular heartbeats. So far, they only happen at home. My heat rate soars, and blood pressure falls. I sip power drinks, and in time, feel okay, but always fear another episode.

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

It is understandable to feel anxious, it is good to know you are able to identify the onset of an episode to allow you time to take precautions and sit down. If you would like to find out more about syncope and ways to manage symptoms, register for our online Patients Day 2022, launching on Friday 14 October. To view the full agenda and register: heartrhythmalliance.org/stars/uk/hrc-2022-stars-patients-day

[@amalkrishna2013]

Now whats ur condition?

[@xextotheohx]

I have the same exact issues @jandolinmarks it causes my anxiety to soar. Anytime I go to the doctors, they just blame it on my anxiety and don't really listen to my symptoms. I have already been diagnosed with pre-syncope, syncope, arithmia forget the exact wording, seizure disorder, etc. I get heart monitors put on at least once a year for the past 5 years, one other time about 9 years ago. You would think they would have found some way to help me and other people like this by now. Nope just cope with it and let it completely control your life. I can hardly function let alone work, I am getting to the point where I am just sick of it and want to cry constantly from the frustration.

[@faithwisdom788]

​@@xextotheohxhave you got help now?

[@tjmiller5060]

@@xextotheohxI have your exact symptoms, I have POTS. I faint many times per day. Sometimes I can’t lay down fast enough to stop syncope.

[@DNYS8N]

I first experienced syncope with long recovery times after meals, postprandial hypotension I suppose. It started a few days after my second Covid vaccination. It did resolve in 6 months. Two days ago I had a severe syncope episode at a meeting. The episode lasted around 30 minutes. BP 60/38, P40. barely able to talk. I was transported to ER and started coming to in ambulance. Everything was normal, labs, EKG, and X-ray. My heart stayed in 50s but I was calm and work out often. I am going to a cardiac consult. As an RN I investigated and think I was triggered by stress. Also my left chest tingles frequently but there is no other cardiac symptoms. I will try this next time.

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

I am pleased to hear the video has provided some advice and support for the future. You will also find a wealth of information on the STARS website heartrhythmalliance.org/stars/us/ If you have any questions, please reach out to our Patient Services Team heartrhythmalliance.org/stars/us/contact

[@sonofhibbs4425]

Oh he couldn’t be more correct- I can remember so many times having to sit on the floor in stores. I’d get odd looks. It’s so embarrassing. I remember one particular time I was just about to pass out and sat on the floor clutching my chest and this woman stepped right over me and walked out. I couldn’t believe the coldness. Since I was in my early 30’s and looked healthy I would surmise she thought I was on drugs or drunk or something so she felt it ok to ignore me. (Still rather shitty) Obviously it can be a risk to help a stranger, but the very least you can do is ask from afar if someone is in need of help, then go contact the store manager who will call emergency services.

[@rembeadgc]

Happened to me when I was on a Metro Subway train. After I fainted, the conductor came to the car, helped me off the train and told me to wait there. He got back on the train and took off. Lol. I actually had another episode minutes later in that spot. I was originally on my way to work. I went home and took the day off. I was fine after that. Rough times.

[@krystingrant6292]

What an arse. 😩 I'm so sorry

[@SuperMiracledrug]

Is your problem solved ??

[@GeriMacdonald-ch6yc]

Every time I get blood drawn. It’s embarrassing and people think you’re being dramatic but it’s horrific x

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

We understand and sympathise how this must make you feel, if you would like any advice or support in these situations, you may wish to contact our Patient Services Team at STARS; heartrhythmalliance.org/stars/uk/contact

[@paulredmond3562]

I was working on my vehicle in -30 Celsius. I had to lay down & wait 15-20 minutes for this to pass. I thought I was going to die from exposure. Once my face starts feeling hot I know it 's coming & have around 10 seconds to get into position before collapsing.

[@sobster123]

Thank you so much Professor!!!! You are a god send ❤

[@tracyfisher2191]

Amazing thank you for the info on isometric exercise.

[@richricogranada9647]

I did that exercise with my hands and had a strong pain in the artery on the left side of my neck. Last week, I had a brain zaps when that same artery pulled when I turned my head and it was like a gun shot to the brain and I collapsed on the floor unconsciously. Became very dizzy for a week after.

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

I hope the video has been helpful? If you would like any support, or have any questions, our Patient Services Team are here to help. Contact us on [e-mail] Reply

[@emmanuellegrand2203]

Thank you sir, it was very helpful.

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

I am pleased the video was of benefit to you. You are invited to join us for our HRC2021 STARS Patients Day - we have lots of helpful advice and information regarding syncope. Follow the link for details www.heartrhythmalliance.org/stars/uk/patients-day

[@chaii_latte]

This was hell when I was my dads caregiver and had to change his wound every night. It happen in bio today after dissecting a goat eyeball.. Or when I get blood drawn. Super frustrating because its hard to stop once it starts.

[@Carbon420Blazing]

golgi apparatus yes once that feeling comes its hard to fight it. I had one yesterday at the dentist but luckily was able go stay awake. Though I was very sweaty and white. Found this video today as its been awhile since last time but I've had this happen since I was 7 earliest I remember

[@gabesmith5139]

Yeah I had it happen after gym today and I hadn’t known this trick so I just got up, left the room and sat on the floor. It sucks soo much because you don’t want to cause a scene but at the same time you know you have to get help

[@M3yeR969]

I’ve been diagnosed with epilepsy.. but, I only suffer a seizure when seeing a gore scene from a movie.. makes me panic and I break into an episode. I truly feel I’m more on the vasovagal syndrome than epilepsy. It’s never happened to me while doing or seeing anything else other than blood or gore scenes from a movie. God forbid it from happening again, but if it does, I’m definitely giving this exercise a try.

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

if you would like any support or a chat Freddy, please feel free to contact one of our Patient Services Team [e-mail]

[@pixieandfrankie]

Hi Freddy , I have been diagnosed with epilepsy when it started to happen to me (I was 15) , I lived in Poland that time, I moved to UK (age 19)and I have seen doctors , had exams and they told me that I don't have epilepsy I have got Vasovagal syncope. I faint few times a year , it's happen in the morning or few hours after I woke up.

[@john1boggity56]

Very helpful - my wife and I will watch this so she knows what I'm doing when I suddenly sit down and put my legs against the wall...

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Thank you for watching the video - so pleased to hear it is so helpful to you. If you would like any advice - please contact STARS UK www.heartrhythmalliance.org/stars/uk/ or STARS US www.heartrhythmalliance.org/stars/us

[@nippesskb4659]

Definitely the one where you can raise your legs up against a wall 👍 My doctor recommended this for me years ago, and still helps .

[@ME-bq6lu]

thank you for this great tip

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

You are welcome, please visit www.stars.org.uk or contact our Patient Services Team if you would like any further advice [e-mail]

[@krystingrant6292]

Thank you much needed

[@justinc0336]

I’m not sure if I have this or not. I’ve had anxiety for over 6 years now. Though this past year, I’ve had these episodes in which I feel very dizzy and hot most of the time. I feel faint, but I’ve never actually passed out. I went to the doctor for it and had an episode there. It took over an hour to calm down. My heart rate was fluctuating from 200-244 the entire time. I know my anxiety gets worse when this happens, but in years past it hasn’t ever been this bad - even with my severe panic attacks. My doctor thought it was purely anxiety so he prescribed blood pressure medication to keep my heart rate lower. After some mild temporary hair loss due to the medication, I got off of it. The only thing I take is anxiety medication.

[@edgiallombardo2307]

I fought anxiety for many years, it never fully goes away but my "cure" is St John's wort(1200mg per day) and Yoga really helps too, hope this helps! I also have passed out with blood draws, it's a bit different from anxiety I think but looking to try these tips next time, trying to breathe deep and relax definitely doesn't work for me(and sounds like the opposite of what you want to do anyway).

[@danieltongaww]

How do you deal with anxiety medication? Does it work? I have a severe case that I have not worked on for the longest because I am embarrassed to get this checked, but also I don’t want to be on medication and make things worse at your a lot of crazy things happening to people who are on anxiety medication where the stuff make them go worse I want to be able to come back to normal, but could you give me any advice on how anxiety medication has affected you

[@justinc0336]

@@danieltongaww Well there’s so many different types of medication as far as that goes. Some are much more mild than others. I started on lexapro which is really common at a small dose and I slowly increased as my body adjusted. I switched to celexa which is in the same family and that’s what I’m on now. Both of those are much more mild than a lot of stuff you can get. If you’re at a point where you can’t function and therapy or counseling isn’t helping, I’d highly consider it. It really made it easier for me. I still struggle but without it is so much harder. For me personally, I need it to function. If you want to start taking something like that you could only stay at a small dose and never increase like I did. That way if you wanted to get off of it you could. But be sure to talk to a medical professional and do some research beforehand as medicine can effect people differently. For myself and a lot of people I know it’s about trial and error and finding something that goes well with your brain’s chemistry.

[@soniczforever5470]

Mine is 80 systolicand 60 diastolic due to my small stature. Less and straight to hospital. Im also athlete. I did faint once due to overheating.

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Thank you for watching the video, I hope it has been helpful. If you would like any support or advice, please visit: www.stars-international.org or contact the Patient Services Team: [e-mail]

[@debjitmajumder3590]

Pretty humorous way to give advice 😍😋😄

[@rdhami7639]

Thank u Sir 🙏

[@huntersteele5826]

I've had it for years and always thought it was normal. I've just been face planting like a man. Ate shit at work and my boss sent me to the hospital. He said I turned flush white and almost hit the propane tanks. 😅 syncope could be rough in the oil field, so he kinda saved my life.

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

I hope the video provided some new information to help you? If you have any questions or would like further advice or support please contact the Patient Services Team; [e-mail]

[@LisaS1]

Thanks! very helpful!

[@zarinaferns]

THANK you

[@diegoelizarraraz99]

i get this sometimes randomly or sometimes when i smoke , but it has happened times when i dont smoke . at first i wouldve said maybe its because i smoke but too many times it has happened to me when i dont do anything

[@gykg3202]

Every single time I have my blood draw, this happens to me. Not during the draw, but a few minutes after. I feel extremely weak and fatigued, and have fainted before.

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, perhaps you would like to visit STARS website heartrhythmalliance.org/stars/uk and download our 'Blackout Checklist' before making an appointment with your doctor.

[@johnmifsud6814]

I wish I had known this as i fainted recently whilst tutoring falling on the student. I should have done exactly as he said when i felt that I was going to loose conscientious.

[@zarinaferns]

This happens to my.mother mostly in the loo.i giv her salt sugar but now I kno.the. menouver..she's 89 so difficult..but happens only in the loo after or during evacuation..

[@Youtuber-le9xx]

I have a fiery temper at times but also have this condition. So I'm forced to be a passive lol

[@xXKuroXx100]

😂 That’s funny! I’ve always said it’s my body and mind having a disagreement.

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Thank you for all your comments on the presentation by Professor Sutton, if you would like any further information or support regarding Syncope? Please visit the STARS website(s) UK www.heartrhythmalliance.org/stars/uk/ or STARS US www.heartrhythmalliance.org/stars/us You will also find all the details on how to register for our Virtual' HRC2021 STARS Patients Day which is currently available on demand.

[@Jvzz_]

Mine is triggered by dehydration, overheating, long periods of standing in one place, and extreme stress

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

If you would like any support or information, please contact our Patient Services Team at [e-mail]

[@Rihodejaneiro]

I have laughter induced syncope. How can i prevent it? Is there any remedies?

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Thank you for your comment, prevention advice would include increasing your water intake, ensuring you are eating regularly (smaller meals but more often and avoiding large quantities of carbs), taking part in a form of exercise to improve muscle tone in your legs (this helps to return blood to your heart). For more information and advice please take a look at our booklet: api.heartrhythmalliance.org/files/download/5b69f89f356a64dcc39afa31813166fe and feel free to contact our Patient Services Team on 01789 867503 or email: [e-mail]

[@rembeadgc]

So this is why I feel it wanting to come AFTER a workout, not during. Or when I've finished walking a flight of stairs, not during. Or when I'm just standing and not doing anything, but I'm anxious inside. I've dealt with this for maybe 10 years now. It's not often, sometimes maybe once, twice a year. Usually, by the time I seriously think I need to sit down wherever I'm at, before I've sat down...I'm out. Most of the time I feel it coming and I mitigate it through relaxation and deep forceful breathing. But, I can't exert myself and do a cold stop.

[@gabesmith5139]

See what I’m confused with is that when I have a more exhausting workout at home I’m fine but when it’s at school I get sweaty afterwards and feel it coming

[@rembeadgc]

@@gabesmith5139 Don't know about you but when stress or anxiety levels are raised they become an ingredient. An episode presents never as just the result of one factor, even though we think of it as a single event. Often when others are present stress levels are higher.

[@Turtle-xk5qt]

Hi my dad sent this link to me because I’ve been passing out at school. This’s very helpful but what if I don’t feel it coming on?

[@ridaxenub3162]

In my experaince I always know its coming but I don't have enough time to stop or prevent it. My symptoms are Weird cramps in stomach Blur vision Light headedness That is when I realize that its coming I faint a lot 😶

[@krystingrant6292]

@@ridaxenub3162 same but I get hot I mean hot af

[@bextron7397]

@@ridaxenub3162 share if you got the solution please.

[@faqihahkamilia8338]

I thought i alone. I tired with this problem. Idk till when i need to face all this matter. Tired to be embraced with nother people. Tiredddd to answer why n why ..... Unlucky i still hear after ate a bunch of pills

[@louisa8531]

Does this guy know he’s hilarious

[@etherealgamer6667]

I just busted my face open and it happened to me, it normally happens to me if I see a wound on my body

[@AIKXXVII]

Calatrava. Nice.

[@sasanmaramkhah4802]

please help; what happens if this happens after I use the bathroom? this happened to me twice 6 months apart (maybe I ate something i shouldn't have)

[@Carbon420Blazing]

Sasan Maramkhah that is micturition syncope

[@jacklawer6389]

With me I get no warning, not even a millisecond Im out

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Thank you for watching the video, if you would like any further advice about your condition please contact the patient services team on [phone] or contact here heartrhythmalliance.org/afa/uk/contact

[@ashleyburnett7811]

No wonder I have social anxiety 😅

[@essentialadvantages6790]

I'm most scared of this happening while I'm driving on the freeway

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Thank you for watching the video, I hope Professor Sutton’s presentation was helpful to you. If you have any concerns or questions relating to Syncope, please visit the STARS website: Home - STARS - US (heartrhythmalliance.org) or contact a member of our Patient Services Team: Contact - STARS - US (heartrhythmalliance.org)

[@zaidhassan77]

My dad had 3 episodes i last few years, in the recent one it got a bit escalated in which, he started coughing it was kinda aggressive cough and by the time my mum reached towards him to check on him/offer water he fell on his bed, his eyes turned blood red, his eye balls were pointing in some random direction, he was totally unresponsive and his body started jerking all his body hands legs everything were shaking! It looked like he’s having a seizure it lasted for upon 10 secs not more than than! After that he immediately went normal and and in next 1-2 secs he was like “what had happened to me?”. Doctors said it might have looked like a seizure but it most likely was cough syncope. Anyone reading this please provide with whatever opinion you have if you know anything about these kind of episodes

[@Zaidzookhan]

Same happened to my dad! He just fainted and the jerking occurs just like seizures for 10 to 15 seconds! He dont even remember how it occurred and what happened!

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

If you would like any support or information, please contact our Patient Services Team at [e-mail]

[@mechelledale6269]

I suffer with syncope episodes before vomiting and opening my bowels I try to breathe through them however not successfully

[@wratchettv]

Aramis3737 I felt that last week when getting blood drawn, they didn’t even finish it lol I was pale faced and cold sweaty. Lying down helped but it was scary

[@krystingrant6292]

Same I overheat

[@krystingrant6292]

@@wratchettv same thing they had to give me apple juice and lay down on the floor

[@zarinaferns]

IT Happens to women 80 +.hope this helps someone reading my comments

[@Laura0IN]

What if syncope happens when someone has been seated for a while?

[@Andy-ui9ur]

Happened to me during a procedure. Was laying down/sitting already. An ice pack helps a lot on the back on neck. Also focus on breathing. What doesn’t help is you get so stressed and scared you don’t breathe.

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Squeeze! • Clench your fists tight, dig elbows against your side, squeeze your tummy muscles • If sitting, raise your heels and squeeze your calf muscles • Lie down flat and put your legs in the air, for example against a wall, or ask someone to hold them up for you. This will help to get your blood pressure up and stop your symptoms. Please feel free to contact our Patient Services team for more information on [phone] or email: [e-mail]

[@BeckyBebeh865]

My son has been having this: today was his first time WHILE sitting down. 😭

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Thank you for your message, I hope the video was helpful? If you would like any support or guidance, please do not hesitate to contact our Patient Services Team [e-mail] or visit www.stars.org.uk

[@johnsterling5425]

did he have the covid vaccine?

[@jebby16]

If ladies have long nails just do the opposite. Place your hands together like your praying with elbows away from your torso and push hands against each other.

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Thank you for the tip- If you would like any information regarding Vasovagal Syncope - then please visit STARS heartrhythmalliance.org/stars/uk

[@psychoticchic1533]

I pass out when I vomit. Will this work for me because it’s really scary when this happens to me?

[@ArrhythmiaAlliance]

Thank you for watching the video, I hope if has been helpful? if you would like any advice or support, please contact [e-mail]

[@zarinaferns]

And my mom gets signs for 30 seconds.she yawns or wants to sit in loo for a longer time.then.i kno..

[@AufBayern]

Huh. Hands, eh? That should come in...no, I won't say it.

[@AnnabellaRedwood]

Lol!

[@timothywhite3465]

Is anyone else here because of mushrooms or weed?

[@theshape4309]

?

[@81crispy]

Almost every time I smoke I get it after a coughing fit,had it once on mushrooms too