How is vasovagal syncope related to anxiety?

How is vasovagal syncope related to anxiety?

Vasovagal syncope is a medical condition characterised by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. This can lead to a temporary loss of consciousness. An intense emotional or physical stressor, such as fear, pain, or anxiety often triggers this fainting episode.

Anxiety can play a significant role in triggering vasovagal syncope episodes. It has been seen that when a person experiences intense anxiety or panic, the body’s response system “fight-or-flight” gets activated.

In some cases, this heightened response malfunctions the vagus nerve, which controls heart rate and blood pressure regulation. This slows down the heart rate and widens the blood vessels (dilate) in the legs.

This makes the blood pool in the legs, thus, lowering the blood pressure. Both drops in blood pressure and slowed heart rate can reduce the blood flow to the brain and cause you to briefly lose consciousness.

Moreover, anxiety can also exacerbate vasovagal syncope symptoms by increasing feelings of:

• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Nausea

These are the common precursors to fainting episodes. The fear of fainting or losing control in public settings can also contribute to increased anxiety levels. This can create a vicious cycle of anxiety and syncope.

Some people also complain of other symptoms as well before getting faint. These include:

• Nausea
• Feeling warm
• Pale skin
• Lightheadedness
• A cold, clammy sweat
• Narrowing of vision; only see what’s in front (tunnel vision)
• Blurred vision

Bystanders may also notice:

• Dilated pupils
• Jerky, abnormal movements
• A slow, weak pulse

Usually, this condition is harmless. But sometimes it is an indication of any brain or heart disorder. So, don’t ignore visiting a healthcare provider. Your doctor may recommend a few tests to get to the root of the problem and prescribe you a course of action.
Diagnosis is usually done through a physical exam and tests like electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, blood test, exercise stress test and tilt table test.

Talking about recovery, usually, people start to get better within a couple of minutes. But don’t try to stand up too quickly because it can raise the risk of fainting again in a few minutes. So, be in the position for at least 30 minutes.

Individuals with vasovagal syncope need to address any underlying anxiety issues. This can be done through therapy, relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies. By understanding the triggers and managing anxiety levels, individuals may be able to get their condition under control.

In most cases, treatment is not required. Doctors usually advise on identifying and avoiding triggers. However, if the problem occurs more often and interferes with your daily life, the doctor may suggest medications, therapies or other treatment options.

Final take!
The relation between vasovagal syncope and anxiety is complex and interconnected. So, understanding the triggers is important for the management of the condition effectively. By addressing anxiety, stress levels and other risk factors one can manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life.