Syncope

Syncope, or fainting, could be the sign of a serious medical problem requiring prompt care. At Heart and Vascular Care in Plano, Texas, board-certified cardiologist Bhupinder Singh, MD, and his team can diagnose and treat the cause of syncope to reduce your risk of future recurrences. If you or someone you know experience fainting, schedule an appointment with Heart and Vascular Care by phone or online today.

What is syncope?

Syncope is the temporary loss of consciousness or fainting. It often occurs when blood pressure suddenly drops, causing reductions in blood flow to your brain. You might feel dizzy or lightheaded right before fainting. When you regain consciousness after a syncope episode, you may feel confused. 

What are common causes of syncope?

Some common causes of syncope include:

• Emotional distress
• Certain medications
• Dehydration
• Getting overheated
• Drops in blood sugar
• Standing up too quickly
• Hyperventilation 
• Heart problems

Fainting is more common in older adults. It might be nothing to worry about or the sign of a serious medical problem. See Dr. Singh and his team if you or a loved one experience syncope episodes.

How does my provider diagnose the cause of syncope?

To find out what’s causing syncope and develop a treatment, Dr. Singh discusses your symptoms and medical history. He completes a comprehensive evaluation, including a tilt test. During this test, Dr. Singh measures your blood pressure and heart rate while you’re sitting, standing, and lying down. 

Additional diagnostic tests he might recommend include blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG), echocardiogram, stress tests, other heart function tests, or autonomic reflex testing.

What are my syncope treatment options?

Dr. Singh and his team personalized each treatment plan to give you the best outcome. Depending on the cause of syncope, they might recommend the following:

Medications

Taking certain medicines, or making changes to your current medication regimen, might reduce your risk of experiencing syncope episodes in the future.

Lifestyle changes

Eating small frequent meals, drinking more fluids, increasing dietary potassium, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol are ways you can lower your risk of fainting. 

Other lifestyle changes to consider include wearing compression stockings or support garments to improve blood circulation, elevating the head of your bed while you sleep, being cautious when standing up, and avoiding situational syncope triggers.

Surgical procedures

If you have a heart problem associated with fainting episodes, Dr. Singh might recommend you undergo a surgical procedure, such as receiving a pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD).

Don’t let the cause of syncope go undiagnosed and untreated, as you can trust the highly trained Heart and Vascular Care team with your care. We see patients in Plano, Texas, and McKinney, Texas. Call us to book your appointment today.