Treating Syncope: Prevention

If you have been told that your fainting is not caused by a heart problem, you can help prevent fainting. And you can learn to respond to your body’s warning signs.

 

 

If you feel faint

• Know the warning signs of fainting: weakness, nausea, dimmed vision, tunnel vision, sweating, feeling flush or warm, dizziness, lightheadedness, or a fast heartbeat.

• Don’t ignore or fight any signs that you may faint.

• Lie down until you feel better and elevate your feet if possible. Your symptoms should go away in about 20 to 30 minutes.

Small changes make a big difference

• If you are in a conference, auditorium, or group setting such as a movie theater or play, sit near the aisle so you can leave if you feel faint.

• Get up slowly after you have been lying down.

• If prescribed, wear special stockings to keep blood from pooling in your legs.

• If directed, add salt to your food to raise your blood pressure. Don’t skip meals.

• Don’t stand for long. Shift your weight over your legs while standing. Shop when lines are short.

• Drink water often, especially when exercising during hot weather.

• Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe for you to drink alcohol, as this can cause syncope in some people.