How To Stop Fainting From Vasovagal Syncope: Focus On Hydration

People who faint need to think carefully about what and how much they drink. Think of your body as a water tank with a minimum level needed to feed to brain with blood and oxygen to keep alert and conscious. If the water tank level drops below this minimum level you are “dehydrated”. For people who faint, it is crucially important to keep this tank as full as possible so that even if the level drops (pools due to gravity) into your lower limbs, which can act as large collecting vessels in your legs, there is still enough supply to the brain.

Written By Dr Boon Lim, Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist

People who faint need to think carefully about what and how much they drink. Think of your body as a water tank with a minimum level needed to feed to brain with blood and oxygen to keep alert and conscious. If the water tank level drops below this minimum level you are “dehydrated”. For people who faint, it is crucially important to keep this tank as full as possible so that even if the level drops (pools due to gravity) into your lower limbs, which can act as large collecting vessels in your legs, there is still enough supply to the brain.

Keeping your tank well filled, or hydrated, means that you need to:

  • Drink at least 2L of water or other non-caffeinated drinks a day (avoiding coffee, tea, or energy drinks)
  • Maintain clear or light yellow urine – it’s a sign that you are drinking adequately.
  • If you suffer with low blood pressure and have no other medical conditions apart from vasovagal syncope, have a little more salt in your diet. This allows the water to stay in the body, and forces you to drink as you normally feel thirsty after taking salt.

Written By Dr Boon Lim


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Cardiology