Presyncope- Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Presyncope?

Presyncope is a condition in which one feels as if they are ready to pass out but do not. Near syncope is a term used to describe this condition. People may also experience lightheadedness, sweating, nausea, warmth, weakness, racing heart, and blurred eyesight. The presyncope stage can last as little as a few seconds. Upper-body or whole-body discomfort, pale face, ringing in the ears, hazy vision, quick heartbeat, nausea, chilly sweating, and excessive yawning are all symptoms of this condition.

What Is the Cause of Presyncope?

Presyncope occurs when the brain does not obtain enough oxygen, owing to a drop in blood flow. This can occur due to various causes, some of which are innocuous and others that are potentially dangerous. There could be a number of elements at play. Presyncope can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Dehydration.

• Extended standing.

• Intense nausea or pain.

• Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which might or might not be attributable to diabetes.

• Neurally induced hypotension causes the blood pressure to decrease when someone stands up from a sitting or sleeping position.

Presyncope is a common side effect of several drugs, especially those that reduce blood pressure. Presyncope and syncope are sometimes caused by cardiac arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, too rapidly, or erratically.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a relatively uncommon condition that affects blood flow. It mostly affects women between the ages of 13 and 50. The heart rate is elevated by at least 30 beats per minute when one stands up, and it also generates other symptoms, including presyncope and exhaustion. Palpitations, or the sensation that the heart is beating too quickly or forcefully, are another symptom of the disorder.

One should consult a doctor if one experiences presyncope. Although determining the cause is not always possible, it is critical to eliminate or diagnose major health concerns that require treatment.

What Are the Risk Factors for Presyncope?

Some factors that increase the risk of presyncope include:

• Age: Advanced age is associated with an increased risk of presyncope. Older individuals may be more prone to certain physiological changes that can contribute to the occurrence of presyncope.

• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can elevate the risk of presyncope. Examples include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Individuals with these conditions may be more susceptible to disruptions in blood flow or autonomic dysfunction.

• Medications: Certain medications may have side effects that increase the risk of presyncope. It is important to be aware of the potential effects of medications such as blood pressure medications, diuretics, and drugs that affect the autonomic nervous system.

Does Presyncope Heighten Stroke Risk?

Experiencing presyncope, a feeling of near fainting may indicate underlying health concerns, but it is not directly linked to an increased risk of stroke. However, certain conditions that contribute to presyncope, such as cardiovascular issues, may elevate the risk of stroke. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to assess and address any potential health risks associated with presyncope and take appropriate preventive measures.

What Are the Symptoms of Presyncope?

When a person is sitting or standing rather than lying flat, they are more prone to experience presyncope symptoms. It can also happen if they rise rapidly from sitting or sleeping positions. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of presyncope:

• Lightheadedness.

• Dizziness and confusion.

• Overall weakness.

• Hearing loss.

• Their speech is slurred.

• Blurry and tunnel vision.

• Palpitations.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Headache.

• Profuse perspiration.

Before passing, these symptoms can remain anywhere from a few seconds to minutes.

How to Diagnose Presyncope?

Presyncope should never be dismissed, especially if it is severe, persistent, or long-term. To determine which of the numerous probable causes is responsible for how one feels, healthcare professionals will need to do a thorough examination. This usually begins with a physical exam to check the patient’s vital signs, which are blood pressure and heart rate, as well as a review of their medical history, which includes any drugs they are taking and any diseases they have had. Testing can be considered after an assessment of the symptoms.

Review of Symptoms: The doctor will most likely advise the patient to be extremely detailed when discussing their symptoms. They will want to know the following:

1. The circumstances in which a person gets light-headed.

2. How long does it take to kick in, and how long does it last?

3. How frequently does it occur?

They will also inquire about any other symptoms that the patient is having. Everything that comes to mind must be shared, even if it has nothing to do with the topic. This information, combined with what they know about a patient’s medical history, can assist the doctor in narrowing down some options for further research.

Blood Test: The healthcare provider may conduct a number of laboratory tests to check for or rule out possible reasons based on the first findings. These include the following:

1. Blood glucose test to assess diabetes.

2. Complete blood count (CBC) to detect anemia.

3. Test for electrolytes in blood to check for dehydration.

Imaging and Scanning: Depending on the symptoms and risk factors, imaging examinations and procedures may be required.

1. Computed tomography (CT) is performed to look for signs of head trauma.

2. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that evaluates the heart's function.

3. An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that allows doctors to see the structure and functions of the heart in real-time.

4. Tilt table test in which a posture change is done to see if one has a dip in blood pressure after sitting or lying down.

What Is the Treatment for Presyncope?

Near syncope patients are just as likely as syncope patients to require essential interventions; however, presyncope patients are less likely to be admitted to a hospital. The etiology of the patient's presyncope determines management and treatment for presyncope.

• If the patient appears dehydrated, fluids should be given, and antibiotics should be given if sepsis is a concern.

• To reduce the danger of falling and being hurt, lie down with legs up, sit, or get low until it subsides.

• One can also try to elevate their blood pressure by squeezing their fists together.

• Consider lying down if one gets light-headed and nervous before medical procedures like blood testing or vaccines.

If the presyncope is caused by any medicine, keep taking it until the doctor talks about other options. The patient may not be treated at all if there are no obvious medical factors causing presyncope. Common strategies used in the treatment of presyncope include:

• Mindful Posture Changes: Exercise caution when standing up to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure.

• Adjusting Sleeping Position: Elevating the head of the bed during sleep to promote better circulation.

• Medications: Using certain medications designed to handle and control symptoms of presyncope. Evaluating and, if necessary, discontinuing or modifying existing medications that may contribute to presyncope.

• Avoiding Triggers: Steering clear of situations known to induce presyncope episodes.

• Heart Conditions: Managing and treating any underlying heart conditions that may be associated with presyncope.

• Pacemaker Installation: Consideration of a pacemaker, if deemed necessary for regulating heart rhythms, as a part of the treatment for presyncope.

• Compression Stockings: Wearing compression stockings enhances blood circulation and mitigates presyncope symptoms.

• Dietary Modifications: Implementing changes in diet, such as increasing salt or potassium intake, consuming smaller and more frequent meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine and alcohol. All these act as crucial components of the treatment for presyncope.

Conclusion:

Presyncope is the feeling of fainting without really passing out. It can last anytime from a few seconds to several minutes. Although it may appear harmless, it can be a sign of a more significant health problem and should be investigated. It is critical to discuss all of the symptoms with a doctor so that one can receive a diagnosis and any necessary therapy. If a person has no major medical problems, they can try to figure out what makes them dizzy and avoid it. Any new or changed symptoms should be reported to the doctor.