Fainting
Syncope
Fainting or "blacking out", medically known as syncope, is a momentary loss of consciousness, often followed by a fall
Why do we faint?
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of syncope? icon plus
Just before fainting, you may experience some warning signs, such as feeling hot, weak or nauseous. You may also feel dizzy, experience blurred vision or have difficulty hearing just prior to passing out. Other common warning symptoms include:
- a cold sweat
- ringing in your ears
- confusion
- palpitations
An episode of fainting can sometimes be triggered by certain medications, standing too quickly or for too long, pain or emotional stress. The loss of consciousness associated with fainting is usually very brief, but will cause you to collapse if you're standing at the time.
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Diagnosing why you faint frequently icon plus
Fainting may not be a sign of anything serious. However, if you've been fainting frequently, have chest pains, are pregnant or have a family history of heart disease, your GP or consultant may want to investigate the potential underlying cause.
If they suspect you may have a heart problem, you might have an electrocardiogram to monitor your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, and a Holter monitor which you wear to record your heart’s rhythm over up to several days. A tilt-table test might be recommended if your fainting episodes seem to be related to a change in blood pressure when you sit or stand.
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Potential treatment options icon plus
Treatment options for fainting will depend on the type you've been experiencing. Your consultant will discuss your options with you and in many cases, no treatment is needed. If an underlying cause of fainting is found, treating it should help prevent further episodes.
Our consultants
Our locations
From complex cardiothoracic surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional cardiac care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Harley Street Clinic Cardiac department
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344