Fainting can result from many different health conditions, including heart problems, changes in blood pressure, dehydration, or medications.

About one-third of people who faint are injured because of the episode.

How Common is Fainting?

Older adults are much more likely to faint than younger adults. Fainting occurs about twice as often in adults age 70 and older, and up to four times as often in adults age 80 and older compared to younger adults.

Fainting accounts for up to 3 percent of emergency room visits and up to 6 percent of hospital admissions in the United States each year.

Last Updated May 2026