Overview
When blood pressure suddenly drops, this can result in fainting. Fainting spells are not considered serious, and they do pass quickly. The person may feel unwell for a few minutes following a fainting spell, but in most cases this will pass. If this does not pass, then the person should seek medical care immediately.
Symptoms of Fainting
There are several symptoms of fainting including:
- Feeling light headed
- Dizziness
- Perspiration
- A pale complexion
- Feeling restless or anxious
- Nausea
- Collapsing
- Being unconscious for a few seconds
There are times in which a person may show these symptoms and collapse, but this be much more than a simple fainting spell. The person may have something wrong such as a disturbance in their heart rhythm or have had a stroke. If the pulse is becoming weak or is not normal, then a doctor should be seen immediately to ensure that there is nothing more serious happening.
Causes of Blood Pressure Drop
There are several reasons why blood pressure can drop in a person. These reasons include:
- Standing for long periods of time
- Being in extreme heat
- Being in emotional distress
- Having severe pain
- The sight of blood
- Seeing something that the person may find distressing
When you Feel Faint: What to Do
If you feel as though you are going to faint, then you should try to lie down and elevate your feet. This can help to prevent you from losing consciousness. Fresh air has also been shown to help a person, especially if they are getting hot. If you are unable to lie down, then place your head as low as possible. In the event that you do faint, be sure to lie still for ten minutes before getting up, to allow your pressure levels to return to normal.
Fainting First Aid
If you are with someone who has fainted, here are some first aid tips to keep in mind:
- Help the person lie down on the ground
- Roll the person to their side if they are unconscious, check their breathing and pulse while doing so
- Elevate their feet above their head if possible
- If heat has brought this episode on, loosen any tight clothing to allow their skin to breathe. Try to use a cool, damp rag to cool the person down.
- Look for injuries that may have occurred if they fell.
Preventing Fainting
- When you feel you want to faint, lie down immediately
- Try to reduce anxiety or anything stressful in your life
- Talk to your GP if any medication may be causing the fainting
Related Video On Fainting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE7VSxA98a8