Fainting Could Be the First Warning Sign of Heart Failure

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Episodes of fainting are mostly dismissed as those due to stress, fatigue, or dehydration. Sometimes, even when you do not eat properly, you may feel unconscious, but doctors have a different take. According

to cardiologists, syncope – the medical term for fainting – should not be taken casually, as the blackout may be a critical warning sign of a serious heart issue. Calling it among the first symptoms of heart failure, doctors say syncope happens when there is a sudden and temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain.

Why is syncope related to heart failure?

According to doctors, fainting is usually linked to heart failure since a failing heart is not able to properly pump oxygen-rich blood to the brain, which causes temporary loss of consciousness, often due to arrhythmias, structural issues like valve disease, or reduced pumping ability. Experts say the condition – often known as cardiac syncope- disrupts normal electrical signals or mechanical function, leading to sudden drops in blood pressure or heart rate, depriving the brain of fuel and causing a blackout, signalling a serious underlying heart condition. You may also have the following symptoms along with syncope if you have heart failure:

Fatigue
Swelling in the legs
Shortness of breath

How often does syncope happen with a heart condition?

Doctors say fainting due to a heart condition is more common than you think, and its frequency varies depending on the underlying cause. For some, it may be a one-off event triggered by dehydration or stress, while for others, recurrent syncope may point to severe and late-stage heart issues.

Which heart conditions cause syncope?

It is important to understand what heart conditions cause syncope for timely intervention. Several cardiac issues can lead to syncope and heart-related symptoms:

Arrhythmias

Causes irregular heartbeats and disrupts blood flow, causing syncope

Aortic stenosis

It is a narrowed heart valve that reduces blood flow, triggering fainting

Cardiomyopathy

Weakened or thickened heart muscles may contribute to syncope

Pulmonary hypertension

High blood pressure in the lungs can strain the heart, leading to fainting.Also read: Cardiologist Warns - 'Not Everything Labelled Heart Healthy Is Safe'

What are the risk factors for heart failure?

A few risk factors for congestive heart failure include:

Being older than 65 years of age
Using tobacco products, cocaine, or alcohol.
Having an inactive or sedentary lifestyle without any exercise
Eating junk and processed foods that have a lot of salt and fat
Having unchecked high blood pressure
Having coronary artery disease
Have a history of a heart attack
Having a family history of congestive heart failure

Ways to take care of your heart

Always go for regular exercise – even walking daily for at least 30-45 minutes would be fine
Stop smoking and avoid all kinds of tobacco products
Treatment for high blood pressure, which includes medication, a low-sodium diet, and an active lifestyle
Treatment for high cholesterol through natural ways or medication
No alcohol or recreational drugs
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, ACE-1 or 2 receptor blockers

What should I expect in heart failure?With the right care, congestive heart failure cannot stop you from doing the things you enjoy. Your prognosis, or outlook for the future, will depend on how well your heart muscle works, your symptoms, and how well you respond to your treatment plan.
What should I not eat or drink with heart failure?People with congestive heart failure may need to limit how much salt or fluid they consume each day. Your provider can give you guidelines for this.
Can fainting be prevented?Many times, people feel a syncopal episode coming on. They feel lightheaded, nauseous, and have palpitations. You may be able to keep from fainting if you sit or lie down and put your legs up, or make a fist with your hands, while tightening your arms.
What should I do if someone faints?If someone around you faints, make sure to check they are breathing, make them lie down or sit with their head between their knees for at least 10 to 15 minutes, and offer them cold water to drink once they’re conscious.