A circulatory collapse is a brief loss of consciousness. This loss of consciousness is caused by insufficient blood flow to the brain. A circulatory collapse is also known by terms such as syncope, circulatory collapse, blackout, and fainting.
Below you will find more information on the causes and treatment of fainting, as well as a selection of doctors.
Fainting refers to a brief circulatory collapse during which the person loses consciousness but quickly regains it. In some cases, memory of the time before the fainting episode may be temporarily impaired, but the person usually regains their bearings very quickly afterward. Almost everyone experiences fainting at some point in their life.
A circulatory collapse can have various causes. In most cases, it is due to temporary changes in blood pressure or heart rate, which are often harmless. However, serious medical conditions may also be the underlying cause, which is why further evaluation is recommended, especially in older patients and in cases of recurrent fainting episodes. Also,
can also cause fainting. Circulatory collapse is often accompanied by a weakening of muscle tone, which can lead to falls. Syncope should not be confused with a seizure, cerebellar ischemia, an epileptic seizure, or a stroke.
Circulatory collapse is often preceded by certain symptoms such as
. Some people also report seeing black spots before their eyes. If a person notices these signs in themselves, it is important to take precautions. It is not uncommon for people to injure themselves as a result of fainting. An uncontrolled fall can occur, and depending on their position and surroundings, this can result in minor or serious injuries.
Medical professionals therefore advise lying down or sitting down if the above symptoms occur. With some conditions, such as cardiac arrhythmias, these warning signs often do not occur. In these cases, falls can lead to serious injuries. The duration of unconsciousness varies from person to person. For most people, however, fainting lasts no longer than one minute.
If the cause of the fainting spell (syncope) is related to circulation, doctors refer to it as vasovagal syncope. In this case, the nervous system overreacts, leading to a sudden circulatory collapse. Pain, anxiety, and stress are among the possible triggers. Suddenly standing up, a constriction of the throat, and eating a heavy meal (which primarily affects older adults) can also cause syncope. In these cases, blood pools in the legs, and the brain does not receive an adequate blood supply.
In addition to vasovagal syncope, heart conditions are the most common cause of fainting spells. The heart conditions that can cause this include:
These heart conditions can cause a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain.
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Other causes of circulatory collapse include:
In addition to disorders of the brain, heart, and circulatory system,
can lead to fainting.
If you witness someone losing consciousness, provide first aid immediately. It is also important to call emergency services, as fainting can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
First, check to see if the person is responsive. In many cases, circulatory collapse is brief, and the person will quickly respond when spoken to. Blood flow to the brain is better when the person is lying down, which is why their condition usually improves quickly. Additionally, elevate the patient’s legs to further improve blood flow to the brain.
If the person is unresponsive, call an emergency medical service immediately. In any case, you should call an emergency medical service if you suspect an acute heart attack, cardiac arrhythmia, or a cerebrovascular accident. Check the person’s level of consciousness and breathing. If you cannot hear breathing sounds or feel a pulse, begin chest compressions. Start with 30 compressions, followed by two rescue breaths. Since many first responders are unsure about mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, the recommendations regarding this have since been updated. It is sufficient to perform chest compressions until the emergency medical services arrive. This alone can significantly improve a patient’s chances of survival in the event of cardiac arrest.
If there are two responders on the scene, it is also advisable to check whether a defibrillator is available nearby. If so, defibrillation can be performed immediately or prepared in advance for the emergency medical services. The patient must then be cared for by trained medical professionals—including emergency physicians and paramedics—and transported to the nearest hospital.
Treatment for circulatory collapse depends on the cause. If the person is otherwise healthy and the episode is merely a temporary circulatory disturbance, no specific treatment is necessary. However, there are measures that can be taken to prevent future episodes of syncope. Treatment is based on the cause of the fainting spell.
Often, the evaluation of a syncope can be done on an outpatient basis. If there is no life-threatening condition and no reason to believe that the circulatory collapse will recur, care is provided on an outpatient basis. However, long-term monitoring in cardiology and further diagnostic testing are necessary for individuals with cardiac arrhythmias and other heart conditions. In such cases, a monitoring device is prescribed to track heart activity.
If a person experiences frequent episodes of circulatory collapse or has serious heart conditions, medication and the use of a pacemaker are necessary. A pacemaker can be temporarily attached externally; however, in most cases, a pacemaker must be implanted under the skin through a minor surgical procedure. This is often performed under local anesthesia; general anesthesia is rarely necessary.
People who are prone to circulatory collapse and want to strengthen their heart and circulatory system can take several steps. If low blood pressure is the cause of frequent syncope, it is important to specifically train the circulatory system. Training the circulatory system includes
It’s also a good idea to do some exercises in bed first thing in the morning after waking up and to take your time getting out of bed. If you’re one of those affected, make sure to drink enough fluids every day and get enough salt. A daily fluid intake of 2 to 2.5 liters is considered ideal.
For many people affected, certain situations can trigger circulatory collapse. These include, for example, being in overheated rooms, standing for long periods, and not drinking enough fluids. If you feel the first signs of fainting, it’s important to sit down or lie down. Tensing your muscles, crossing your legs, and squatting can also help prevent an impending circulatory collapse.
These measures are often sufficient to prevent circulatory collapse from occurring in the first place. In this context, medications are not considered a more effective alternative to purely physical measures. For this reason, medical professionals generally recommend these physical measures as the first step in preventing syncope.
1. Is fainting dangerous?
A brief episode of fainting is often harmless and results from orthostatic hypotension. In rare cases, however, fainting may indicate serious heart disease—a medical evaluation is advisable.
2. What are the warning signs of fainting?
Typical warning signs include dizziness, a sensation of darkness before the eyes, and lightheadedness. If these signs occur, the person should sit down immediately and elevate their legs.
3. How is the cause of syncope determined?
Diagnosis and treatment begin with a physical examination. An ECG provides information about possible heart conditions; in addition, blood pressure measurements can be taken while the person is lying down and standing up.
4. What should you do if someone has fainted?
Call 112 if the person isn’t breathing or if the fainting episode lasts longer than expected. If breathing has stopped, apply rhythmic pressure to the chest and perform chest compressions until emergency services arrive.
