Dear readers,

S.C. writes LIFELINE from a Kingston 8 address. She is 35 years old and her job as a security guard involves long periods of standing. Recently, she went on a weight loss diet and lost 12 pounds. Since then she has found that she has experienced several episodes of feeling faint on the job. She recently 'blacked out' for a few minutes (she is not sure how long) on the job and woke up on the ground. She was assisted by a client at the business place. S.C. says she is overweight but wanders if she'll keep better health if she puts the weight back on.

An episode of blacking out or a fainting spell termed syncope, refers to sudden but very temporary loss of consciousness. This happens because of lack of adequate flow of blood to the brain. There are several disorders that can cause this. Some more common causes of fainting are:

❒ Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)

❒ Extreme heat

❒ Anaemia

❒ Irregular heart beat

❒ Sudden episode of low blood pressure

❒ Use of certain anti-hypertensive drugs

When an episode of fainting is about to occur, often the individual experiences weakness, dizziness, nausea, sweating and blurred vision. The skin may suddenly feel cold and clammy. Following these symptoms the person may lose consciousness for a short time. This is a fainting episode and such a person will usually awaken readily with smelling salts and be quite aware of their surroundings.

If there is further confusion and disorientation on waking up, then more serious problems (e.g. transient ischaemic attack, mild stroke, cardiac irregularities) should be considered.

Once the person who has fainted has regained consciousness they should sit, leaning forward, with their head between their knees to help increase blood circulation to the brain.

It is always best to see the family physician for a check up when fainting occurs, especially if the problem is recurrent. Blood tests, ECG (heart test) and even a CT scan might be requested after a full physical examination to help determine the existence of any underlying medical conditions which may have contributed to the fainting spell. If low blood sugar is suspected as the cause, then a source of simple sugars and complex carbohydrates should be ingested as soon as the person is well enough to swallow. The person may need to ensure that they are eating balanced meals.

Low carbohydrates

It is possible that hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is the cause of S.C.'s recent fainting episodes, as she has been on a weight loss diet. Many weight loss diets seriously restrict carbohydrates and can lead to dizziness, weakness, low feelings and even fainting through subsequent low blood sugar levels.

When fainting occurs in relation to use of antihypertensive medications, then the doctor should be called and consulted immediately for advice. The prescription may well need to be changed.

If you feel the symptoms of a fainting episode occurring with droziness and weakness, immediately sit down, lean forward, place your head between your knees, then cough. This manoeuvre increases the blood flow to the brain. Also, if you have the tendency towards feeling faint:

❒ Avoid standing up suddenly

❒ Avoid standing for too long

❒ Avoid over exertion

❒Avoid missing meals and becoming hungry

❒ Avoid stressful situations

Develop healthy lifestyles with proper rest, exercise and eating patterns.

Write to:

LIFELINE

P.O. Box 1731

Kingston 8