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OTHER SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS

ANGINA & HEART ATTACK (MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION)

PALPITATION

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (AF)

OTHER HEART RHYTHM PROBLEMS

HEART VALVE DISEASE

BLACKOUTS/SYNCOPE

BREATHLESSNESS/HEART FAILURE

BLOOD PRESSURE (HYPERTENSION)

CHOLESTEROL

Dr. Richard Mansfield

Dr. Richard Mansfield
BSc (Hons) MB ChB MD FRCP FESC
CONSULTANT CARDIOLOGIST

Note: I am happy to answer general questions regarding the content of this website, but I cannot give clinical advice. Such requests will not be answered.

Blackouts/Syncope

Blackouts may be due to syncope or seizure (epilepsy). There are a number of other causes.

What is syncope?

Syncope is loss of consciousness due to a sudden fall in the amount of blood reaching the brain. This may de due to fainting, which is common and often occurs in adolescents. Many people who faint do so in situations of hunger, shock or when very warm. Standing for long periods may also cause fainting - remember the guardsman who collapses on parade! There are a number of other more significant causes for syncope though including heart rhythm changes, narrowed heart valves or very low blood pressure.

Syncope is a serious symptom and should be investigated immediately. Until the cause has been determined patients are advised not to drive, swim or climb ladders.

Investigations will include an ECG, echocardiogram and a period of ambulatory heart rhythm recording. If the cause of syncope is not clear then it may be necessary to implant a loop recorder. This is a small device placed under the skin on the left side of the chest to monitor the heart rhythm for as long as 12-18 months, if needed. A tilt table test may be necessary.

If the cause of syncope is due to an abnormally slow heartbeat then a pacemaker may be recommended.

If the cause of syncope cannot be determined then referral to a neurologist may be necessary to exclude epilepsy.