Sniffing, Gasping Help Prevent Fainting

Could sniffing and/or gasping help to prevent fainting?

Researchers found that vasovagal syncope-otherwise known as the most common type of fainting-can lead to significant drops in blood pressure and heart rate, along with a brief loss of consciousness. Furthermore, they found that this fainting may be the result of prolonged standing or standing up too fast.

"Recurrent syncope [fainting] has serious effects on quality of life," said lead study author and Slovak cardiologist Marta Bavolarova, in a news release. "Patients are often injured when they fall, which reduces their mobility and ability to look after themselves. Depression is common in these patients."

During the study, researchers looked at two women aged 56 and 62--both with a medical history of recurring vasovagal syncope. Health officials performed a head-up tilt test on each patient, during which they would lie on a horizontal table that is quickly titled 60 degrees to mimc the act of suddenly standing. The table also has built-in monitors for blood pressure and heart rate.

"Recurrent syncope [fainting] has serious effects on quality of life," Bavolarova said. "Patients are often injured when they fall, which reduces their mobility and ability to look after themselves. Depression is common in these patients."

The new preventative meaneuver is similar to other measures, like crossing the legs or gripping hands to help increase heart rate if feeling faint. "We now also tell patients that they can sniff or gasp to prevent themselves from fainting," Bavolarova said. "This was a small preliminary study and we will confirm our findings in a larger number of patients."

More information regarding the findings can be seen in the European Society of Cardiology.

Related Articles

Alzheimer's Blood Test: Could It Help Slow Disease Progression?

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).