Vasovagal Syncope
Neurocardiogenic syncope is also called vasovagal syncope. Neuocardiogenic syncope may be caused by many conditions including low blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured with two numbers. The first number given is called the systolic number. This measures the pressure on the heart when it pumps blood. The second number is called the diastolic number. This measures the pressure of the heart when the heart is rest. The heart rests between each beat.
An ideal blood pressure reading is said to be when the first number is under one hundred and twenty. The second number should be under eighty. Low blood pressure is defined as when the first number is under ninety and the second under sixty. Low blood pressure is often thought of a sign of a healthy heart. However sometimes low blood pressure can cause problems. Blood may not reach the extremities such as one’s hands and feet and even the brain. This can cause the fainting seen Neurocardiogenic Syncope. When people rise from a standing position blood pools in the lower part of the body. The brain is deprived of oxygen. As a result the person faints.
Anxiety and Worry
Neurocardiogenic syncope may occur as a result of stress, anxiety and worry. Someone may feel anxious as a result of a standardized test, performance evaluation or possibly life changing situation such as an engagement. The body reacts to this feeling by interfering with the ability to breath. Lack of oxygen can cause lack of blood to the brain. When the brain is deprived of oxygen the body reacts by fainting. One can learn to decrease this reaction by consciously taking in more breaths. As the body receives more oxygen the feeling of anxiety is lessened make fainting a less likely possibility.
Another cause of neurocardiogenic syncope is heavy exercise. While exercising the heart is able to maintain a steady supply of oxygen to the brain. The heart works faster but the body is able to compensate for this with increased breathing. After the exercise has stopped, the person’s heart stops pumping as fast. Lungs stop taking in as much oxygen. As a result the oxygen supply their vital organs decreases. When the supply to the brain is cut off the person may experience a drop in blood pressure. This can lead to the fainting spells that are a hallmark of neurocardiogenic syncope.
Most people with this condition get grow out of it completely as they reach their late twenties.
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