Diseases & Conditions
Should I be concerned about my fainting spell?
Ask the doctors
I had a fainting spell the other day. Should I be concerned? What should I do?The most common reasons for fainting are two conditions, vasovagal syncope and orthostatic hypotension. Vasovagal syncope occurs when a nerve that regulates your blood pressure and heart rate is overstimulated. This might occur if you feel anxious about something or start feeling too warm while standing in a crowd of people. Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure that occurs when you stand up. During these episodes, your blood flows down to your feet, and if your body can't work fast enough to get sufficient blood to your brain, you faint. Orthostatic hypotension can be aggravated if you're too warm, don't drink enough water, or are very hungry.
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