Fainting episodes can occur at any age, although it is more likely in older adults due to their existing health conditions and deteriorating physical state. When the blood supply to the brain is diminished or interrupted, this results in syncope, often known as fainting. Before you send yourself or your loved ones off to a retirement community, you should understand syncope and the risks it poses.
Causes of Syncope
When there is a reduction in blood pressure, there is a lack of blood supply to the brain. This is known as vasovagal syncope and is one of the most common causes of syncope in older adults. It can happen even with minor actions, such as sitting for an extended period of time and then standing up rapidly. This causes the blood to settle in the lower half of your body due to the lengthy amount of sitting. To keep the blood flowing up to your brain, your heart has to work a little harder. However, as you become older, this becomes more difficult and might result in dizzy spells.
Other causes of vasovagal syncope in adults include witnessing blood or having blood drawn, standing for extended periods of time, exposure to heat, anxiety, and dehydration. The most prevalent causes of syncope are neurally-mediated, such as vasovagal syncope and orthostasis. While less prevalent causes of syncope, such as cardiac structural disease and arrhythmia, have worse results than neurally-mediated and orthostatic causes.
Symptoms of Syncope
Knowing what causes syncope in older adults might help you be more observant and avoid factors that may cause you to collapse. However, because this is not always possible, it is necessary to be aware of symptoms that suggest you may pass out. Feeling lightheaded, tunnel vision, nausea, impaired vision, or a cold, clammy sweat are among some of the common symptoms.
Can Syncope Be Treated?
There is no actual syncope remedy; instead, concentrate on managing the symptoms. While syncope is normally safe, the danger rests in what happens around you when you are about to faint. You would not want to bang your head when you fall or have a fainting spell at the top of the stairs, for example. Your doctor may order certain tests to see whether the fainting spells are a sign of a more serious cardiovascular issue, such as cardiomyopathy. It is critical to be aware of the illness and to recognize when an episode is approaching so that you can remain safe.
What to Do if Someone Faints?
Seek emergency medical attention if an older adult loses consciousness, especially if they have cardiac issues, are prone to fainting spells, or have lost their consciousness and fell as a result of syncope. If you are able to get involved, there are several actions that you do to ensure their safety before the relevant authorities arrive. When someone has fainted but is continuing to breathe, try to lay them on their back, with their feet about a foot above their heart. This will help to restore and improve blood flow to your loved one’s brain.
