What is Syncope?

Syncope is temporary loss of consciousness and posture, described as "fainting" or "passing out." It's usually related to temporary insufficient blood flow to the brain. It's a common problem, accounting for three percent of emergency room visits and six percent of hospital admissions.

What causes syncope?
It may be caused by emotional stress, pain, pooling of blood in the legs due to sudden changes in body position or the sight of bood. Syncope may occur during violent coughing spells (especially in men) because of rapid changes in the blood pressure. It also may result from several cardiac, neurologic, psychiatric, metabolic and lung disorders. It may be a side effect of some medicines. Some forms of syncope suggest a serious disorder:

• Those occurring with exercise
• Those associated with palpitations or irregularities of the heart
• Those associated with family history of recurrent syncope or sudden death
  

The evaluation of syncope begins with a history and physical examination and may involve more specialized tests such as prolonged rhythm monitoring, stress testing, echocardiography, carotid doppler imaging, tilt table testing and possible referral to a cardiac electrophysiologist for invasive testing.