Why is fainting bad

Feeling lightheaded and weak and having the sensation of spinning are warning signs of fainting. If you notice any of these signs, sit and put your head between your knees to help get blood to your brain.

When someone near you faints, you can encourage blood flow to their head by raising their feet above the level of their heart. Loosen tight collars, belts, and other restrictive clothing. Keep the person lying down or sitting for at least 10 to 15 minutes. A cool, quiet place is best.

A cool drink of water may also help. Learn more about first aid tips for unconsciousness. Follow the instructions of the operator or emergency dispatcher. You may need to perform rescue breathing or CPR while awaiting help. If you have no prior history of fainting and have fainted multiple times, your doctor will want to determine if an underlying medical condition is the cause.

Even people who only pass out once should at least get an electrocardiogram ECG or EKG , which records the electrical activity of your heart. Tell your doctor about the specific circumstances of your fainting spell, such as what you were doing and how you felt immediately before fainting. Be prepared to give your doctor a complete medical history, including information about previously diagnosed conditions and any prescription and over-the-counter OTC medications you take. Depending on the findings from a physical examination , your doctor may order additional tests.

Diagnosis typically starts with EKG. Other tests that may be used to find out why you passed out include:. First aid and fainting First aid treatment for a person who has fainted includes: Help the person lie down. A person who has fainted in a chair should be helped to the ground. If the person is unconscious, roll them on their side.

Check they are breathing and that they have a pulse. If the fainting episode was brought on by heat, remove or loosen clothes, and try to cool the person down by wiping them with a wet cloth or fanning them. Assess the person for any potential injuries if they have fallen. In an emergency, always call triple zero for an ambulance if the person has not regained consciousness within a few seconds or recovered in a few minutes.

Hypotension and fainting Low blood pressure hypotension is a condition characterised by blood pressure that is lower than normal or usual for the person. Orthostatic hypotension Blood vessels respond to gravity by constricting tightening. Causes of orthostatic hypotension include: Nervous system diseases, such as neuropathy Prolonged bed rest Dehydration Irregular heartbeat heart arrhythmia Changes in blood pressure medication.

Where to get help Your doctor In an emergency, always call triple zero Fainting: first aid , Mayo Clinic. More information here. Low Blood Pressure , Medical Online. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. They can be caused by stress, pain, standing for a long time, or standing up too quickly. Simple faints are also called vasovagal or vasomotor syncope. A person often has warning sign before a simple faint: these signs include pale skin, blurry eyesight, nausea, and sweating.

Others signs are feeling dizzy, cold, or warm. These last for seconds before fainting. Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. But avoid the ones with caffeine. If you recognise the start of any symptoms of the fainting reaction, try to lie down immediately, ideally with your legs elevated.

Sitting bent forward with your head down between your legs may help, but is not ideal as your legs remain down, and though abdominal compression might help, it might also worsen the vagal reaction, prolong your symptoms and delay recovery.

Remember, it is better to decide to lie down and remain conscious, than to pass out and wake up on the floor in a mess, surrounded by anxious onlookers.

Low blood pressure - on the British Heart Foundation website. We use cookies on our website to improve the way the site works and to provide you with a better online experience. You can choose to accept cookies or to update your cookie preferences. For more information please visit our privacy notice page. Faints Vasovagal syncope Show.

Faints Vasovagal syncope. What happens during fainting? When does a fainting response occur? When in pain especially abdominal pain, or during a period. After a long period of standing still in a queue or at a reception.