Syncope
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Syncope is a common medical condition that results in a sudden drop in blood pressure, heart rate or change in the amount of blood in the body. As a result, the patients may experience transient loss of consciousness that may last for seconds to a few minutes. While in most cases, recovery is done in a few minutes, Syncope can also turn out to be a serious, life-threatening illness as it results in sudden pass-out to the patient.
Main Causes of Syncope
- Vasovagal syncope – This is generally harmless and is encountered by young children and adolescents. The sudden precipitous drop in blood pressure is the primary symptom.
- Orthostatic Hypotension – The elderly people or those who are on cardiac medications are victims of Orthostatic Hypotension. Lightheadedness or a drop in blood pressure are common symptoms.
- Arrhythmic syncope – This is a dangerous form of Syncope, which results from fluctuations in the heart rate that transiently interrupts the blood supply to the brain.