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Fainting (cont.)

Prevention

Preventive measures depend on the cause and the severity of the fainting problem. Fainting can sometimes be prevented by taking simple precautions.

If you faint in hot rooms, the solution is obvious: Avoid hot rooms.

If you faint while standing up from a lying down position, take care to move slowly when standing up. Move slowly to a sitting position and rest a few minutes. When you are ready, stand up, using slow and fluid movements.

In other cases, the cause of fainting can be elusive. Several visits to your health care provider may be needed to establish a pattern of when fainting occurs and thus a diagnosis. Once the cause is determined, treatment can be started to prevent further episodes.

Cardiac syncope: Because of the high risk of death from cardiac syncope, people who experience it and their family members must understand their disease and its treatment (especially controlling the condition through diet and medications).

Follow the recommendations of your health care provider precisely.

Take prescribed medications regularly.

Many elderly people either cannot afford or cannot remember to take their medications and need help from family members.

Recurrent syncope: See your health care provider about testing to establish a diagnosis if you faint periodically. Ask your health care provider about driving. Many states have laws applying to people who have a history of losing consciousness.