Near Syncope

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2024.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Near syncope,

also called presyncope, is the feeling that you may faint (lose consciousness), but you do not. You can control some health conditions that cause near syncope. Your healthcare providers can help you create a plan to manage near syncope and prevent episodes.

Signs and symptoms that may occur before a near syncope episode:

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Nausea, feeling warm, sweating, or clammy skin
• Blurred vision, or vision that is blacking out
• Confusion
• Trouble breathing
• A fast or fluttering heartbeat, chest pain, or a weak pulse

Call your local emergency department (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You have sudden chest pain.
• You have trouble breathing or shortness of breath.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have vision changes, are sweating, and have nausea while you are sitting or lying down.
• You feel dizzy or flushed and your heart is fluttering.
• You lose consciousness.
• You cannot use your arm, hand, foot, or leg, or it feels weak.
• You have trouble speaking or understanding others when they speak.

Call your doctor if:

• You have new or worsening symptoms.
• Your heart beats faster or slower than usual.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment

depends on the cause of your near syncope. You may need any of the following:

• Medicines may be needed to help your heart pump strongly and regularly. Your healthcare provider may also make changes to any medicines that are causing episodes.
• Tilt training involves training yourself to stand for 10 to 30 minutes each day against a wall. This helps your body decrease the effects of posture changes and reduces your risk for episodes.

Manage near syncope:

• Sit or lie down when needed. This includes when you feel dizzy, your throat is getting tight, and your vision changes. Raise your legs above the level of your heart.
• Take slow, deep breaths if you start to breathe faster with anxiety or fear. This can help decrease dizziness and the feeling that you might faint.
• Keep a record of your near syncope episodes. Include your symptoms and your activity before and after the episode. The record can help your healthcare provider find the cause of your near syncope and help you manage episodes.

Prevent a near syncope episode:

• Know and avoid your triggers. Certain events may bring on episodes. These events may cause you to feel under pressure, upset, or fearful. When you feel the symptoms, you can make movements to prevent an episode. For example, make a fist, cross your legs, squeeze your thighs together, or tighten your arm muscles.
• Move slowly and let yourself get used to one position before you move to another position. This is very important when you change from a lying or sitting position to a standing position. Take some deep breaths before you stand up from a lying position. Stand up slowly. Sudden movements may cause a fainting spell. Sit on the side of the bed or couch for a few minutes before you stand up. If you are on bedrest, try to be upright for about 2 hours each day, or as directed. Do not lock your legs if you are standing for a long period of time. Move your legs and bend your knees to keep blood flowing.
• Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations. Your provider may recommend that you drink more liquids to prevent dehydration. You may also need to have more salt to keep your blood pressure from dropping too low and causing syncope. Your provider will tell you how much liquid and sodium to have each day. Your provider will also tell you how much physical activity is safe for you. This will depend on what is causing your near syncope.
• Watch for signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, nervousness, sweating, and fast or fluttery heartbeats. Talk with your provider about ways to keep your blood sugar level steady.
• Check your blood pressure often. This is important if you take medicine to lower your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure when you are lying down and when you are standing. Ask how often to check during the day. Keep a record of your blood pressure numbers. Your provider may use the record to help plan your treatment.
• Do not strain if you are constipated. You may faint if you strain to have a bowel movement. Walking is the best way to get your bowels moving. Eat foods high in fiber to make it easier to have a bowel movement. Good examples are high-fiber cereals, beans, vegetables, and whole-grain breads. Prune juice may help make bowel movements softer.
• Do not exercise outside on a hot day. The combination of physical activity and heat can lead to dehydration. This can cause syncope.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

You may need more tests to help find the cause of your near syncope episodes. The tests will help healthcare providers plan the best treatment for you. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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