More specifically, vasovagal syncope belongs to the group of neuro-mediated syncopes. It is a transient loss of consciousness that can occur as a result of various stimuli (emotional or orthostatic). It is considered as a benign phenomenon, since - as we will see in the course of the article - it is believed to represent a sort of defense mechanism put in place by the body in order to protect the heart from a potentially dangerous condition of excessive work. .
Despite this, vasovagal syncope can affect patients frequently, affecting the quality of life and leading to undesirable consequences.
, fright, etc.) or by orthostatic factors (prolonged standing).
In non-classical vasovagal syncope, on the other hand, the episode of loss of consciousness occurs even in the absence of a trigger, or in the absence of an identifiable trigger.
On the basis of the data collected in the course of several studies, it seems that the classic form is the one that mostly involves patients at a young age; while the non-classical form seems to be more common among elderly patients.
(hypotension) and a reduction in heart rate (bradycardia) attributable, respectively, to an inhibition of the sympathetic system and an increase in vagal tone. cerebral hypoperfusion) leading to loss of consciousness.In the context of vasovagal syncope, the above conditions generally occur in response to external factors or stimuli that act as a trigger for the onset of fainting. Not surprisingly, these factors are also called "trigger", from" English "trigger" or "trigger'.
In detail, some examples of these "triggers" can be represented by:
- Strong emotions;
- Fear and excessive fright;
- Intense pain;
- Perception of particularly annoying or irritating sensations;
- Sight of blood
- Prolonged orthostatic position (ie, the permanence in orthostatic position for excessively long times).
