Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the fainting (syncope), as well as the patient’s age, specific symptoms and details surrounding the incident. If heart disease is diagnosed, the physician will treat the underlying heart disease. Treatments vary widely, depending on the nature of the heart disease. It may include antiarrhythmia medications, implantation of a pacemaker or a catheter-based intervention.

No matter the underlying cause, patients are also advised to take precautions to reduce the risk of injury caused by falls and if possible prevent the fainting episode from occurring after the first symptoms are felt. Lowering the head or lying down may help prevent the fainting episode. Patients may also be advised to avoid situations that trigger episodes of syncope. If the syncope does not response to these changes, the physician may prescribe medications such as beta blockers and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which help prevent low blood pressure. In some cases, a pacemaker may be recommended to prevent an abnormally slow heart rate.

By definition, syncope is unpredictable and unexpected. Yet, with proper personal care and medical attention, underlying conditions and damage may be detected early or prevented altogether. Some studies suggest that vasovagal syncope can be delayed or prevented by crossing one’s legs and tightening the abdomen, legs and buttocks. By causing more blood to be squeezed to the chest, blood pressure is increased, as is oxygen flow to the brain. Medical attention should be sought after any fainting episode, particularly in patients with prior heart disease.