fainting

[Harefieldfan]

hi

I was singing in a carol concert in a local supermarket last night and I fainted. This had happened before but not since my heart attack and insertion of two stents in cardiac arteries. I was previously diagnosed with vasovegal syncope and given an isometric exercise to stop the faints. I thought I’d be safe because of the stents but I wasn’t. Has anyone had an experience like this? I ate something before the concert, had water (though it was hard to reach) and brought a folding stool to sit on. They called paramedics but I said I didn’t want to spend the night in a &e. The junior doctors are on strike, after all. Sorry if I’m repeating— I just feel shaken.

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Perhaps you should make a routine appointment to speak with your GP, to discuss the return of your fainting bouts although the holiday period will push out the time you get to be seen. In the meantime perhaps refresh the steps you have been advised to take if you feel if you feel a faint coming on. Is there an obvious trigger to your faints which you could avoid?

[Harefieldfan in reply to Lowerfield_no_more]

Thanks! I spoke to myGP, who said it was normal faint and not heart related. Brain, not heart.

[EMBoy]

Hi,

I don't have vasovagal syncope, but do have heart block which has similar symptoms. Just over 4 years ago, I had an episode of syncope, so can sympathise with you about how frightening and disorientating it can be. I ended up in cardiology and had a pacemaker fitted, which has stopped any further faints.

The reason I am sharing this is to let you know that fainting can be heart related. I'm not for one moment suggesting that you have the same thing as me, but, if you faint again, it might be worth asking your GP for a cardiology referral - better safe than sorry.

[Harefieldfan in reply to EMBoy]

Thanks! In fact it was fainting that triggered my heart attack — not triggered but preceded - two years ago. My GP said it was a typical faint — standing for a while, feeling very hot, too thirsty. I should have sat down and put my head between my legs, clenched my buttocks and everything else (apparently) to get the blood back to my brain. She said it wasn’t heart-related but now I wonder. If it is, it will happen again. I imagine my stents are still working. Thanks so much for your reply and the info.