Medical Treatment

The treatment of fainting depends on the diagnosis.

Vasovagal syncope

• Lifestyle alterations: Drink plenty of water, increase salt intake (under medical supervision), and avoid prolonged standing.



• Medications: Medication may be prescribed if episodes are frequent.

Postural syncope

• Lifestyle alterations: Sit up and flex calf muscles for a few minutes before getting out of bed. Avoid dehydration. Elderly people with low blood pressure after eating should avoid large meals or plan to lie down for a few hours after eating.



• Medications: In most cases, medications that cause fainting are withdrawn or changed.

Cardiac syncope

• Medication and lifestyle alterations: These treatments are designed to optimize the heart's performance while limiting its demands. Controlling high blood pressure, for example, would call for a medication and lifestyle change. In some cases, specific anti-arrhythmic medication may be prescribed.



• Surgery: Bypass surgery or angioplasty is used to treat coronary heart disease. For some valve problems, valves can be replaced. Catheter ablation is available to treat some arrhythmias.



• Pacemaker: A pacemaker may be implanted to slow the heart in certain types of fast arrhythmias.



• Implanted defibrillators are used to control life-threatening fast arrhythmias.

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