Heart Beat: Little support for that sinking feeling
Heart Beat
Fainting is frightening. Fortunately, it's a one-time thing for most people, brought on by standing too long, dehydration, an injection, or other triggers. Some people, though, faint repeatedly. If the culprit is a slow heartbeat, a pacemaker can halt fainting spells. If it isn't — a condition that doctors call neurocardiogenic syncope (SING-cuh-pee) — several "may help" options are available. A clinical trial casts doubt on one of these: the use of a beta blocker.
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