In truth, there are many conditions that can cause one to faint. However, in many cases, these conditions are extremely treatable. Here are four conditions that can cause dizziness, light-headedness and even fainting.
1. Low Blood Pressure
We regularly hear about the symptoms of high blood pressure. But low pressure has a range of symptoms all its own. Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, can cause fainting. So just how is low blood pressure defined? A diagnosis of low blood pressure results when a reading of lower than 90 mm Hg systolic or 60 mm Hg diastolic occurs, according to the Mayo Clinic. The thing is that low blood pressure is different based on the person. A normal reading for one person may be low for someone else. That’s why it's important to know the symptoms. Further, low blood pressure can become extremely concerning when it falls rapidly. Just 20 mm Hg can cause dizziness and fainting when the brain fails to receive adequate blood supply. Life-threatening blood pressure changes can also happen because of infections, massive bleeding or allergic reactions.
Pregnancy, heart problems and endocrine issues have been known to cause low blood pressure. Low blood pressure can occur as a result of dehydration. This can cause hypovolemic shock, which may occur when low blood volume causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and oxygen reaching tissues. The condition can be fatal if left untreated. Medications like diuretics, alpha and beta blockers, and drugs for Parkinson’s disease can cause low blood pressure. And, of course, medications like Cialis and Viagra can cause a drop in blood pressure when combined with nitroglycerin. If low blood pressure is suspected, talk to a doctor. He or she can help control this condition.
2. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Have you ever stood up after lying down and felt weirdly dizzy? This is a sign of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, otherwise known as POTS. POTS is a disorder that occurs because of orthostatic intolerance (OI). In other words, people with POTS become dizzy or faint when they stand up after lying down. This happens when an insufficient volume of blood returns to the heart after an individual stands up from a lying-down position, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Fainting and lightheadedness are the main symptoms associated with this condition. POTS sufferers are known to experience a quick heartbeat -- an increase of more than 30 beats a minute or a heart rate faster than 120 beats per minute within 10 minutes of standing up is typical, according to the NIH.
Though POTS can strike anyone, experts say that nearly 80 percent of those with this condition are women between the ages of 15 and 50. Symptoms of POTS may occur just before menstruation. POTS can also begin post-pregnancy or post-surgery or after suffering trauma or being infected with a virus. It is also important to note that exercise may bring on POTS symptoms. Those in the medical field say symptoms of POTS usually subside once an individual lies down. That said, even if symptoms subside upon lying down, it’s still important to see a physician if symptoms of this condition are present.
3. Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar can be frustrating. Also called hypoglycemia, it can cause excessive dizziness that makes sufferers feel faint. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), hypoglycemia occurs with abnormally low blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, usually less than 70 mg/dl. For those who are diabetic, hypoglycemia is often called insulin reaction or insulin shock. The ADA says severe hypoglycemia has the potential to cause accidents, injuries, coma and death. Symptoms of hypoglycemia usually happen quickly and include shakiness, nervousness, anxiety, sweating, chills, clamminess, irritability, confusion, rapid heartbeat, hunger, nausea, blurred vision, tingling sensations, weakness, a lack of coordination, dizziness and seizures. Severe hypoglycemia can result in fainting and unconsciousness. For hypoglycemia, the ADA recommends consuming 15 to 20 grams of simple carbohydrates or glucose. Examples include 2 tablespoons of raisins, a half a cup of juice or regular soda, or even a glass of 1 percent milk. Diabetics should check blood glucose 15 minutes later. If blood sugar is still low, repeat this process. Eat a small snack if it’s going to be awhile before the next meal.
4. Heart Arrhythmias
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat. To many, it feels like butterflies in the chest. Arrhythmias occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate heartbeats don't work properly, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of an arrhythmia can include a racing or slow heartbeat, a fluttering feeling in the chest, chest pain, shortness of breath, a light-headed or dizzy feeling, and fainting. If an arrhythmia is suspected, make an appointment to see the doctor immediately. A doctor will order tests to detect the nature of the problem. Don’t put this off. Cardiac issues are never something to take lightly.