Syncope, or fainting, is a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness, and it’s affecting many Texans in Houston. It occurs when blood flow to the brain goes down for some reason. Fainting can be caused by many things, such as dehydration, low blood sugar, or a heart problem. But in most cases, a Houston syncope specialist will perform tests to detect the problem early. Here are tell-tale symptoms of syncope.
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Pale Skin
If you have syncope, you may notice that your skin becomes very pale. When the blood flow to the brain reduces, less oxygenated blood reaches your skin. As a result, your skin may take on a pale or ashen color.
You may notice some differences in skin color when you begin treatment. In some cases, the paleness may dissipate once the underlying cause of the syncope is treated.
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Sweating
Another symptom of syncope is sweating. It happens because the body tries to cool down the brain, working harder than average when not getting enough oxygen. You may sweat profusely, especially on your forehead and neck. The sweat may also be cold and clammy. Sweating can happen even when it isn’t hot.
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Dizziness
Dizziness is a common symptom of syncope. It occurs when you feel like you’re about to fall or when the room starts spinning around you. You may find that your symptoms worsen when you engage in physical activity. It’s because the body is working harder than usual to try and get enough oxygen to the brain, which can cause the symptoms of syncope to become more pronounced.
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Rapid Heartbeat
One of the most tell-tale signs of syncope is a rapid heartbeat. It happens because the body is trying to pump more blood to the brain to get its oxygen. You may feel like your heart is racing or your chest is tight.
It may also be irregular at times if you have a rapid heartbeat. This means that your heart may beat faster or slower than average. It can be a sign of an underlying heart problem, and you should seek medical attention if you experience this symptom.
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Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms of syncope. When the body isn’t getting enough oxygen, it can cause the stomach to become upset. You may feel like you need to vomit, or you may vomit. Nausea and vomiting can persist even after you’ve regained consciousness.
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Weakness
Syncope can also cause feelings of weakness. This may be because the body is working harder than usual to try and get oxygen to the brain. You may feel like you can’t stand up or that you’re about to collapse.
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Blurred Vision
If you experience blurred vision during a syncopal episode, it’s likely that your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen. This can cause the eyes to become cloudy or foggy. You may also find that your vision worsens when you focus on something.
As you can see, many signs point back to having syncope. What’s important is speaking with a cardiologist right away when you experience symptoms. This gives a perfect chance for diagnosis and provision of the proper treatment. You can be sure of getting over the condition soon.
