Increased Syncope Due to Aging

Health Wellness

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Most of us hate medical terms like syncope and wish doctors and nurses would talk in plain English, but many don’t. So, what is syncope? Is it a disease? What causes it? How does age affect syncope? Is it serious?

What is syncope? Simply stated, syncope (SIN-co-pee) is the fancy medical term for loss of consciousness, better known as fainting. If it means fainting, then don’t you wish they would just call it that?

Is syncope a disease? No, it’s not a disease and its not contagious.

What causes syncope? According to the American Heart Association, syncope is usually caused by a sudden lack of blood flow to the brain. This can be the result of an emotional shock, a medical condition, an illness, getting over-heated, dehydration, exhaustion and even changes in body position. Syncope can be a symptom of a serious condition such as bradycardia, tachycardia or an obstruction in blood flow, such as a blot clot or clogged arteries.

The most common form of syncope is referred to as neurally mediated syncope and is described as:

Neurally mediated syncope (NMS) is the most common form of fainting and a frequent reason for emergency department visits. It’s also called reflex, neurocardiogenic, vasovagal (VVS) or vasodepressor syncope. It’s benign and rarely requires medical treatment.”

“NMS is more common in children and young adults, though it can occur at any age. It happens when the part of the nervous system that regulates blood pressure and heart rate malfunctions in response to a trigger, such as emotional stress or pain.”

“NMS typically happens while standing and is often preceded by a sensation of warmth, nausea, lightheadedness, tunnel vision or visual ‘grayout.’ Placing the person in a reclining position restores blood flow and consciousness, and ends the seizure.”

One of the forms of NMS is situational syncope which often is brought on by certain physical functions such as laughing, swallowing and violent coughing (which occurs more in men than in women).

Another for of syncope is cardiac syncope, described as:

“Cardiac or cardiovascular syncope is caused by various heart conditions, such as bradycardia, tachycardia or certain types of hypotension. It can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death.”

“People suspected of having cardiac syncope but who don’t have serious medical conditions may be managed as outpatients. Further inpatient evaluation is needed if serious medical conditions are present. Conditions that may warrant hospital evaluation and treatment include various cardiac arrhythmic conditions, cardiac ischemia, severe aortic stenosis and pulmonary embolism. If evaluation suggests cardiac vascular abnormalities, an ambulatory external or implantable cardiac monitor may be required.”

How does age affect syncope and is it serious? According to the American Heart Association:

“Cardiac syncope is a higher risk in: people older than age 60; men; presence of known heart disease; brief palpitations or sudden loss of consciousness; fainting during exertion; fainting while supine; an abnormal cardiac exam; or family history of inheritable conditions. Other existing conditions and medications used are particularly important in older patients.”

“Heart failure, atrial fibrillation and other serious cardiac conditions can cause recurrent syncope in older adults, with a sharp increase after age 70…”

“Syncope is common, but adults over age 80 are at greater risk of hospitalization and death.”

It’s important to stay well hydrated – drink lots of water. Not beer, coffee, tea, soda or juice, but water. The body needs water and many of these other drinks can lead to other health concerns, including dehydration. Try to stay active and exercise regularly. Take your time standing up. It’s also important to see you doctor on a regular basis and when you do, be honest and open about any fainting, lightheadedness or dizzy spells as these may be signs of various health conditions that need to be addressed.

aging Fainting Syncope

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