What Is Syncope?
Syncope is the medical term used for fainting or passing out. An abrupt, transient reduction in blood supply to the brain causes syncopal episodes, which results in loss of awareness and motor control. The person subsequently collapses or falls, allowing blood to flow back to the brain. The person can regain consciousness once blood flow has been restored.
What Is Heat Syncope?
Heat syncope is a moderate form of heat disease, also known as fainting or orthostatic dizziness. When the body tries to cool itself via dilation of blood vessels to the point that blood supply to the brain is limited, the syncope arises. Individuals who suffer from dehydration as a result of insufficient fluid replenishment are especially vulnerable to this condition, as their total blood volume is lowered.
What Are the Causes of Heat Syncope?
Heat syncope occurs when blood pressure drops as the body dilates small blood vessels or arterioles present in the skin to radiate heat in a warm climate. Before the blood volume expands, this state continues for five days during heat acclimation. When a person stands up rapidly or for a long time, blood flow to the brain is diminished, resulting in light-headedness and fainting. Those who do intensive work outside in hot temperatures are more vulnerable to heat syncope.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Heat Syncope?
Heat syncope is different from heatstroke. In heatstroke, the body temperature is above 40°C (104°F) along with fainting, with or without mental confusion. Heat-syncope is a condition induced by mild overheating combined with a lack of fluids or salt. It is significantly more common in young people than actual sunstroke. Some of the symptoms which are present are:
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Lightheadedness or dizziness.
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A brief loss of consciousness.
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Weakness.
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The pulse rate has increased.
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Sweaty or pale skin.
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Vomiting.
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When shifting positions, such as from a lying to a standing position, one may feel lightheadedness (orthostatic hypotension).
How Is Heat Syncope Diagnosed?
A physical examination is used to make the diagnosis of heat syncope. During the physical examination, the medical practitioner will check the patient's blood pressure and pulse. If the patient is suffering from heat syncope, his or her blood pressure will be low, and the pulse will be fast. Excessive sweating will also be observed in the patient. The medical practitioner will enquire more to learn about the patient's symptoms and medical history. It would be considered an actual incidence of heat syncope if the patient acquired symptoms while engaging in physical activity at high temperatures.
How Is Heat Syncope Treated?
Individuals who suffer from heat syncope usually recover rapidly, within 10 to 15 minutes, with minor therapy and monitoring.
Heat syncope sufferers should:
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Sit or lie down in a cool atmosphere or environment when they start to feel the symptoms.
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Drink water, juice, or an energy drink slowly, which contains salt.
If the person is unconscious:
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If feasible, the legs should be raised, and the heart rate and blood pressure should be monitored.
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Remove any extra clothing and use ice bags or wet towels to cool the person down.
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Follow the ABCs of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which are,
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Airway - Airway blocking should be immediately taken care of as a person's capacity to breathe can be hampered by an obstructed airway. A person should be assisted in opening their airway by placing one hand on the individual's brow and tilting their head back gently along with raising their chin with two fingers from the other hand while tilting their head.
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Breathing - Breathing provides oxygen to the body, which keeps them alive. Hence, determining whether or not someone is breathing is critical. To see if someone is breathing normally, stare down at the torso of the person and place your ear over their mouth to hear breath sounds. The sensation of the breath on the cheek and the movement of the chest up and down should be observed. Perform this for no more than 10 seconds at a time.
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Circulation - Circulation is to determine whether the heart is pumping blood to transport oxygen throughout the body. Organs and tissues can start to die if they do not get adequate oxygen. Chest compressions are essential for restoring blood circulation in the body if a person is not breathing.
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When the person regains consciousness, they should be provided fluids and carbohydrates, for example, a light snack or sports drink, and should be advised to rest for the day.
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Keep an eye on the person's vital signs to make sure he or she does not develop any other medical problems. Any underlying medical condition should be treated accordingly.
How to Prevent Heat Syncope?
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Individuals who are unacclimatized to the heat or whose bodies are not used to elevated environmental temperatures are more likely to experience heat syncope; therefore, individuals should gradually acclimate to exercise in the heat over 10 to 14 days by gradually increasing the duration and intensity of work.
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Heat syncope can also be caused due to dehydration, which reduces total blood volume and makes people more susceptible to syncope. To ensure a significant blood volume, all exercising individuals should be adequately hydrated before and during the exercise. Individuals can reduce their risk of succumbing to exertional heat diseases by drinking enough liquids.
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Abstaining from alcohol, avoiding exposure to hot situations, wearing clothing that blocks the sun's rays, and exercising during cooler periods of the day are all ways to prevent heat syncope.
Why Do People Faint Due to Heat?
Heat can make the blood vessels expand, which makes the body fluid move to the legs due to gravity. This can result in low blood pressure and can cause fainting. Fainting or light-headedness are the symptoms of heat syncope.
What Is the Difference Between Heat Stroke and Stroke?
Heat stroke is caused when the body overheats and the body temperature increases more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Whereas, stroke is a condition where the blood vessels to the brain get blocked due to clots or bursts.
Conclusion:
A transient loss of enough blood flow to the brain is a prevalent factor in cases of heat syncope. Blood pools at the feet and does not return to the heart or brain when standing for extended periods without muscle contractions. Wearing heavy equipment (such as football pads or fireman bunker gear) and a uniform also causes excessive sweating, which leads to dehydration. Once the symptoms have subsided and any other medical concerns have been ruled out, he or she may return to their activities. Before resuming practice, the person should rehydrate as much as needed and get medical attention.
