Vasovagal syncope

[Hayley765]

After blackouts they told me it's vasovagal syncope. I had a loop recorder put in.Just had a call to day my blackout 4th Feb showed my heart was to slow is this typical for vasovagal syncope? My family all have atherosclerosis lost two brothers at age 37

[MrsTree]

But as you have a loop recorder ( had to look this up!) maybe they are worried about your heart being slow for other reasons! I’m not medically qualified! Best to ask Dr. X

[SJ1000]

Hi there. Ultimately yes. I have the same issue and the reason for the blackouts is exactly what the recorder is picking up I.E a very slow heartbeat. That slow heartbeat means the blood in your body is effectively pooling in your legs rather than recirculating around your body and back to your head. As a result your bp gets very low to a point where you blackout. This is your body’s own way of getting blood back to the brain because as you black out you fall to the ground and as your now perpendicular it’s much easier to get blood to the brain. The human body is incredible. I’m my case my specialist did a tilt table test to confirm my issue and he explained that my brain doesn’t always respond to a drop in BP as it should (instruct the heart to beat faster) hence I pass out. He said it’s just an electrical issue that I have to mange by keeping cool not standing still and upright for too long etc. I also have Afib and coronary artery disease but the syncope isn’t impacted by either. Hope that helps. Stay strong, it is a worry but you can manage it effectively. And depending on what your cardiologist says he may have a more effective way of controlling it for you than just lifestyle changes.

[bee2 in reply to SJ1000]

Do you mean heart rate when you say BP?

[Hayley765 in reply to bee2]

My BP does get low but they said heart rate dropped after my blackouts blood pressure goes very high

[Hayley765 in reply to SJ1000]

Wow thanks for that, yours sounds like mine I can't keep still had it from childhood I pass out when standing still. Your reply so helpful

[SJ1000]

Sorry. Blood pressure.