Aging & Health A to Z
Fainting (Syncope)
Care & Treatment
Your treatment for syncope depends on its cause(s).This is particularly important if you have heart problems. Heart attacks may require aggressive medical therapy. Problems with heart valves are typically treated with surgery. Treatment for heart rhythm problems may involve medications or a pacemaker.
Your healthcare professional may manage your orthostatic hypotension by making changes to your medications, such as avoiding drugs that expand (dilate) blood vessels and discontinuing or reducing the amount of diuretics (water pills) you take.
Other causes of syncope may also be managed by changes to your medications. Sometimes, changing your dosing schedule might be enough. For example, your healthcare professional may tell you not to take a medication for high blood pressure at mealtime to avoid dropping your blood pressure too low after you eat.
Whatever the situation, always be sure to check with your healthcare provider before making any changes in how you take your medication.
Updated: March 2012
Posted: March 2012