When people faint how long are they out

Triggers include:. Fainting in an older person, a person with heart disease, or during exertion, or while lying down can be a cause for concern. In any of these cases you should call your healthcare provider. It's important to diagnose the cause of the fainting. Most people who faint stay out a few seconds to less than a minute.

If the person is unconscious for a longer time, call To find out if the cause of your fainting is serious, your healthcare provider will ask you questions about how often you faint, how long they last, and the events surrounding the episodes. Depending on the circumstances surrounding these episodes, your provider may order the following tests:. Electrocardiogram ECG. This gives information about your heart rhythm and heart rate.

Echocardiogram echo. This shows the structure of your heart, including the valves. Orthostatic vital signs. This is where your heart rate and blood pressure are measured while you are lying, sitting, and standing. This is to see whether there is a change related to body position. Position the person on his or her back. If there are no injuries and the person is breathing, raise the person's legs above heart level — about 12 inches 30 centimeters — if possible.

Loosen belts, collars or other constrictive clothing. To reduce the chance of fainting again, don't get the person up too quickly. If the person doesn't regain consciousness within one minute, call or your local emergency number. If the person was injured in a fall associated with a faint, treat bumps, bruises or cuts appropriately.

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Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. The most likely cause of this sudden drop will either be some change in the blood vessels or the heartbeat itself. Blood vessels continually adjust their width to ensure a constant blood pressure.

For instance, the vessels constrict tighten when we stand up to counteract the effects of gravity. Temporary low blood pressure can be caused by various events that prompt blood vessels to dilate expand , including extreme heat, emotional distress or pain.

The lack of blood to the brain causes loss of consciousness. Usually, a fainting episode will only last a few seconds, although it will make the person feel unwell and recovery may take several minutes. Occasionally, a collapse may be caused by a more serious event such as a stroke or a disturbance in the normal heart rhythm. A faint might be telling you something is wrong and further examination is sometimes important.

If a person complains of breathlessness, chest pains or heart palpitations, or if the pulse is faster or slower than expected, the person should see a doctor. Similarly, slurred speech, facial droop or weakness in any limbs are signs of a serious problem.

If possible, lie down and elevate the feet. This may prevent a loss of consciousness. Fresh air can also help, especially if you are feeling hot. If it is not possible to lie down, put your head down as low as possible. If you do faint, remain lying down for ten minutes. Sit up slowly when you need to get up. Low blood pressure hypotension is a condition characterised by blood pressure that is lower than normal or usual for the person. This imaging study checks for bleeding in the brain.

Before you run off to see the movie "Jigsaw" or visit a Halloween haunted house, take note: Fainting can be serious business. New guidelines are released explaining why people faint and what medical tests they should get after a fainting episode. Blackouts can happen when you drink alcohol to excess. Learn what causes the blackout, how blacking out can affect you in the long term, and more.

Feeling dizzy? Read on to learn about how to get rid of dizziness and what may be causing it. Some quick remedies to try at home include staying…. Hair-grooming syncope is when you faint during hair grooming activities like combing, brushing, and cutting. Learn what causes this type of syncope…. If you have low blood pressure, you may want to consider changing your diet.

Learn which foods to eat and what to avoid. Fainting happens when the amount of blood flow to your brain suddenly drops. This can happen for many reasons, some of which are preventable. Head rushes are caused by a rapid drop in your blood pressure when you stand up. Most people experience occasional head rushes, and they generally….

Syncope is a loss of consciousness that happens due to a decrease in blood flow to your brain.