Vaso-Vagal Discussion

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vasal vagal syndrome

From: Karen - 35

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I have been passing out for years, and when I was a child, the doctor told my mother that it was to get attention. He could never find anything wrong, and I was beginning to think everyone thought I was crazy. I always feel the same thing before, my heart starts beating faster and faster, and then I have a difficult time catching my breath, and then I pass out. I usually wake up with a crowd around and an ambulance "on the way". People usually tell me that they couldn't find a pulse right after I pass out. When I get to the emergency room, my heart rate is fine, my blood pressure is fine, and I just feel nauseous and tired. Finally a tilt table test confirmed that I have vasal-vagal syndrome with tachycardia. An EP (electrophysiology) study re-confirmed that I am not crazy. It hits usually after I have been standing for a long period of time, am overheated or dehydrated. When I lived in South America, in the heat, I was passing out 4-5 times a day! Beta-blockers have done the trick for me. My cardiologist tried hyocyamine, but I couldn't tolerate the side effects. Drinking lots of water and keeping cool helps lots too. Not getting startled or too upset helps also. I don't stand for long periods of time, and I add salt to my food. Good luck to you all!


This web site is not a substitute for a thorough medical evaluation and diagnosis of your vaso-vagal type symptoms.  Medical treatment and diagnosis is the only acceptable initial response to these serious symptoms since they might present from any number of life threatening and treatable illnesses. It is for you and your physician to rule out more serious illnesses; Please don't use this online forum as an alternative to getting responsible medical attention and being under the care of a physician for the duration of any unknown, suspected or dangerous vaso-vagal syndrome symptoms.
Last changed: June 22, 2007