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• Arrhythmias
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Bradycardia or Low Heart Rate
• Brugada Syndrome
• Long QT Syndrome
• Palpitations
• Sudden Death or Cardiac Arrest
• Syncope or Fainting
  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Risk Factors
  • Causes
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatments
  • Physicians and Services
• Tachycardia or Fast Heart Rate
• Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Syncope or Fainting

Loss of Consciousness and Posture

Syncope (SIN'ko-pe) -- better known as fainting -- is a transient loss of consciousness and posture:

• Usually related to temporary insufficient blood flow to your brain
  
• Usually occurs when your blood pressure is too low and your heart is not pumping sufficient oxygen to the brain
  
• May happen in reaction to triggers, such as the sight of blood or emotional upset.

Usually Harmless Condition

Syncope is usually harmless and does not need to be treated. However, your doctor may want to run some tests to rule out a more serious cause of fainting, such as a heart disorder, including vascular disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias or valvular dysfunction.