Fainting is a brief episode of unconsciousness caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure. The most likely cause of this sudden drop will either be some change in the blood vessels or the heartbeat itself. Blood vessels continually adjust their width to ensure a constant blood pressure. For instance, the vessels constrict tighten when we stand up to counteract the effects of gravity. Temporary low blood pressure can be caused by various events that prompt blood vessels to dilate expand , including extreme heat, emotional distress or pain.
The lack of blood to the brain causes loss of consciousness. Usually, a fainting episode will only last a few seconds, although it will make the person feel unwell and recovery may take several minutes. Occasionally, a collapse may be caused by a more serious event such as a stroke or a disturbance in the normal heart rhythm. A faint might be telling you something is wrong and further examination is sometimes important.
If a person complains of breathlessness, chest pains or heart palpitations, or if the pulse is faster or slower than expected, the person should see a doctor. Similarly, slurred speech, facial droop or weakness in any limbs are signs of a serious problem. If possible, lie down and elevate the feet. This may prevent a loss of consciousness. Fresh air can also help, especially if you are feeling hot.
If it is not possible to lie down, put your head down as low as possible. If you do faint, remain lying down for ten minutes. Sit up slowly when you need to get up.
Low blood pressure hypotension is a condition characterised by blood pressure that is lower than normal or usual for the person. Hypotension can be caused by a variety of factors including heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms, some infections, dehydration and medications for high blood pressure or certain heart conditions. Frequent fainting spells or sensations of light-headedness need to be medically investigated to check for underlying causes. Blood vessels respond to gravity by constricting tightening.
This increases or maintains blood pressure when we stand up from a sitting or lying position. For this reason, some people, particularly the elderly or those on blood pressure medication, should stand up from sitting or lying in bed slowly. In young people, the problem usually has no serious cause, though falls related to fainting can lead to injury. But in some cases, it can be due to an underlying heart problem that is more concerning. Triggers include:.
Fainting in an older person, a person with heart disease, or during exertion, or while lying down can be a cause for concern. In any of these cases you should call your healthcare provider.
It's important to diagnose the cause of the fainting. Most people who faint stay out a few seconds to less than a minute. If the person is unconscious for a longer time, call To find out if the cause of your fainting is serious, your healthcare provider will ask you questions about how often you faint, how long they last, and the events surrounding the episodes.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding these episodes, your provider may order the following tests:. Electrocardiogram ECG. This gives information about your heart rhythm and heart rate. Echocardiogram echo. This shows the structure of your heart, including the valves. Orthostatic vital signs. This is where your heart rate and blood pressure are measured while you are lying, sitting, and standing. This is to see whether there is a change related to body position.
Tilt table testing. With this test you are strapped to a table while lying flat and then steadily brought to a standing position. Your blood pressure and heart rate are measured often to assess for changes.
Do not try to make yourself lightheaded while you're doing anything that requires your full attention. Don't do this while riding a bike or driving a car. Don't do this while standing on the edge of a high place.
You might crash; you might fall. Prepare to see stars and feel very dizzy. Your vision may go dark, and your brain may feel temporarily empty. The sensation might be overwhelming; you might even pass out. Don't try to walk until your head clears. Make sure that you are always in control of whether or not you can breathe — otherwise you risk brain damage or even death.
A few seconds. If won't last for long since the brain and heart will work hard to get oxygen. Not Helpful 33 Helpful You could make yourself pass out in class so you can go home. Plus, it doesn't hurt knowing how to do it, as it could come in handy some day. Not Helpful 50 Helpful This is why you can't actually suffocate yourself. Eventually, you will faint, and during this time, you will begin to breathe regularly again.
Not Helpful 21 Helpful Sometimes, if may be because they want to get out of school or work. Plus, for some people, the feeling might be enjoyable. Not Helpful 27 Helpful Yes, if you hold your breath long enough you will pass out.
However, you can't actually die, because once you faint, you will begin breathing regularly again. Not Helpful 25 Helpful Yes, if you are not completely in control of the situation at all times. Do not try this if you feel that you won't be able to handle it. Not Helpful 15 Helpful Not really.
The two states might seem similar, but fainting is an emergency response that maximizes oxygen reaching the brain and doesn't tend to last long, unlike sleeping. Not Helpful 19 Helpful This is a very difficult and dangerous thing to do, but yes, this is possible. FOllow the steps in the article and see what happens, if you must. Not Helpful 28 Helpful To fake an illness and get out of work or school, or just to enjoy the sensation of feeling faint.
Not only can you injure yourself while falling, it's not good for your brain. Not Helpful 17 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The faster and deeper you breathe, the dizzier you should become. Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0.
Another tactic is to spin around rapidly in a circle until you feel dizzy. Keep in mind that you may feel nauseous if you spin too much. Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1. Make sure you're near a soft surface such as a bed, couch, or carpet.
If you faint, you don't want to hurt yourself by falling onto an unforgiving surface. Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0.
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