Vasovagal syncope: in other words fainting. I went to the hospital because I had chest pains. Now, I didn’t know if it was from anxiety or the beginnings of a heart attack. I’ve had pains before, but I just chalked them up to the anxiety. This time it lasted longer, so I went. So, I first went to my GP, and in turn, he told me to go to the hospital and ordered tests.

I had the tests the next morning. I was in my room, got up to go to the bathroom and started to get tunnel vision. Hence, I fell to the floor, but I didn’t know what happened. When I finally opened my eyes, I realized I had passed out. Nevertheless, they kept me for another day. All the tests came out fine.

So, define vasovagal syncope. Vasovagal syncope is a common type of fainting that occurs when the body overreacts to certain triggers. In this post, I’ll talk about stress and vasovagal syncope, which I believe I suffered in the hospital.

Stress and vasovagal syncope are related, as stress can trigger vasovagal syncope, which is a common cause of fainting. Here’s a brief overview of each:

Stress is your body’s way of responding to challenges or demands. It can pop up from all sorts of things—like work pressure, personal issues, or changes around you. You might notice it through physical signs like a racing heartbeat, sweating, or feeling a bit on edge.

Vasovagal syncope: in other words, fainting happens when your heart rate and blood pressure suddenly drop, causing you to pass out. It’s usually triggered by things like stress, pain, or standing for too long. Basically, the part of your nervous system that controls your heart rate and blood pressure goes a little overboard in response to a trigger. Before you faint, you might feel dizzy, nauseous, or uncomfortably warm.

When stress hits, it can cause your nervous system to react in a way that leads to vasovagal syncope (aka fainting). Managing stress with relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and enough rest can help reduce the chances of it happening. If you’re experiencing frequent episodes, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional to get it checked out and under control.

Vasovagal syncope: in other words fainting, in general, can be triggered by various factors that cause a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to fainting. Some common causes include:

Emotional Stress: Intense emotions, such as fear, anxiety, or pain, can trigger a vasovagal response.
Prolonged Standing: Standing for long periods, especially in hot or crowded environments, can lead to pooling of blood in the legs and a drop in blood pressure.
Dehydration: Lack of adequate fluids can reduce blood volume and contribute to fainting.
Heat Exposure: Being in a hot environment can cause blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure.
Sight of Blood or Needles: Some people have a strong vasovagal response to the sight of blood or medical procedures involving needles.
Straining: Activities that involve straining, such as coughing, urination, or bowel movements, can trigger a vasovagal episode.
Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or lack of sleep can make the body more susceptible to fainting.

For me, I’ve had a few intense panic attacks where I’ve passed out. Luckily, I was at home when they happened. There is always the fear of having one in a public place.

When I passed out in the hospital room, I had tunnel vision before I fainted. If you’ve never experienced it, it is freaky. Your vision narrows to a tunnel, and it’s all in black and white. I could feel myself hit the ground, and then that was it. I woke up with the nurses hovering over me. Hence, I didn’t know what happened or how long I was out. All I knew was that my head hurt and I felt exhausted.

Tunnel vision is a common term used to describe the sensation of narrowing your focus to one specific point or area. It often occurs in moments of extreme stress or adrenaline, as your body prepares for fight or flight. In my case, the doctor had given me new blood pressure meds, and I hadn’t eaten anything yet.

Vasovagal syncope: in other words fainting. The symptoms often occur in a sequence and can include:

Lightheadedness or Dizziness: A feeling of faintness or dizziness is common before losing consciousness.
Nausea: Some people experience a queasy feeling or nausea.
Sweating: There may be a sudden onset of cold, clammy sweat.
Blurred Vision: Vision might become blurred or tunnel-like.
Paleness: The skin may appear pale or ashen.
Weakness: A sudden feeling of weakness or fatigue can occur.
Ringing in the Ears: Some people report a ringing or buzzing sound in their ears.
Yawning: Frequent yawning can be a sign of an impending fainting episode.

These symptoms usually show up before someone actually faints and can act as warning signs. After fainting, people might feel a bit tired or confused for a little while.

So, after experiencing a vasovagal syncope episode, individuals might encounter several after-effects, which can vary in intensity and duration. Common after-effects include:

Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or exhausted is common after an episode.
Confusion: There might be a brief period of disorientation or confusion immediately following the fainting spell.
Weakness: A general sense of weakness or lack of energy can persist for a short time.
Nausea: Some individuals may continue to feel nauseated after regaining consciousness.
Headache: A mild headache might occur as a result of the syncope.
Paleness: The skin may remain pale for a while after the episode.
Emotional Distress: Experiencing a fainting episode can be unsettling, leading to feelings of anxiety or embarrassment.

These after-effects are typically temporary and resolve on their own. There have come times when I’m having a panic attack, I felt like I was going to fall to the ground. One such incident occurred during a job interview.

I was halfway through the interview, and he was showing me around the factory. All of a sudden, I couldn’t breathe, and the world became smaller quickly. Luckily, I didn’t pass out, and I don’t think he saw me, because he was walking in front of me. I can’t imagine the horror look on my face.

Vasovagal syncope: in other words fainting. Dopamine is often nicknamed “the motivator molecule” because it helps send signals to your brain that guide your actions. Too little dopamine has been linked to mental health issues. Want to boost your dopamine levels? Try these tips:

Listening to music is a great way to boost dopamine levels, which can improve your mood, energy, and overall enjoyment. Any music you love can help, but if you want to take it up a notch, try Binaural Beats. These tracks are specially designed for mental health and have been scientifically shown to benefit the brain and cognitive function. They work by playing different frequencies in each ear, which triggers brain responses to help with things like boosting dopamine or reducing anxiety.

When you are feeling in a slump, jump in a cold shower for a boost of dopamine. Studies show that having a shower in 14C°/57F° water can significantly increase dopamine levels – and up to 250%. There are also many additional ways to use cold therapy hacks, so if you don’t feel like having a cold shower, you can try dipping your head in a bowl of cold water.

Deep breathing exercises can help manage anxiety by regulating your breath and reducing hyperventilation. Find a comfortable position and take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Counting your breaths or visualizing a peaceful place can also help you relax.

Vasovagal syncope: in other words fainting. Mindfulness meditation is another great way to manage anxiety. It’s all about staying in the present moment and noticing any anxious thoughts or feelings without judging them. With regular practice, you can get better at recognizing these negative thoughts and letting them go, helping you feel calmer and more at peace.

Sugar is the root of all evil for most things. So, it’s no surprise that it’s been shown to disrupt dopamine levels. Unfortunately, sugar is in absolutely everything nowadays which may very well be why mental illness is on the rise. So, be careful with what you eat.

Your stomach health (gut flora) plays a huge role in the overall way you feel. There are various types of good bacteria that live in your digestive tract that are capable of producing dopamine. However, if you have poor gut health, the bad bacteria takes over so you never get those benefits. An excellent way to fix this is with probiotic supplements.

Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements in your mental and physical vitality. So, seize the opportunity to elevate your dopamine levels naturally and embark on a path towards a happier, more fulfilled life.

Vasovagal syncope: in other words fainting, isn’t for the faint of heart! Vasovagal syncope can happen suddenly if you don’t pay attention to the symptoms beforehand. The most common triggers for this type of fainting include standing for long periods, dehydration, and pain. It can also be caused by anxiety or fear.

If you experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, your body may react by decreasing the flow of oxygenated blood to your brain. This can lead to feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or even losing consciousness. Other symptoms may include sweating, nausea, and blurred vision.

But don’t worry, vasovagal syncope is usually not a serious condition and can be easily managed with some simple lifestyle changes. First and foremost, ensure you stay well-hydrated and avoid standing for extended periods without breaks. And be careful if you take meds on an empty stomach. Peace and always love. Until next time…