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Patients & Caregivers

This information is designed to provide you with helpful educational information but is for information purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. No representation is made that the information provided is current, complete, or accurate. Medtronic does not assume any responsibility for persons relying on the information provided. Be sure to discuss questions specific to your health and treatments with a healthcare professional. For more information please speak to your healthcare professional.

Patients & Caregivers

This information is designed to provide you with helpful educational information but is for information purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used as an alternative to speaking with your doctor. No representation is made that the information provided is current, complete, or accurate. Medtronic does not assume any responsibility for persons relying on the information provided. Be sure to discuss questions specific to your health and treatments with a healthcare professional. For more information please speak to your healthcare professional.

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Home Patients & Caregivers Conditions Unexplained Fainting Speak to your GP about fainting

Sections
  • Unexplained Fainting
    • Why am I fainting?
    • Speak to your GP about fainting
    • Fainting Treatment Options
      • Discover Insertable Cardiac Monitors
    • Frequently asked questions
F436CEEC-D726-4247-B576-AC05323F658A Contact & Support

UNEXPLAINED FAINTING

Speak to your GP

Fainting is a common problem and can affect people of all ages.* It does however become more common as we age.* It's important to pay attention to the messages your body is sending, and to discuss these with your doctor. 

Download discussion guide (opens new window)
quote outline

Up to 35% of the population will have at least one faint during their lifetime”

 
- Ganzeboom KS, et al. Lifetime cumulative incidence of syncope in the general population: a study of 549 Dutch subjects aged 35-60 years. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2006;17:1172-1176.

 

The patient care journey

When you visit your GP, your GP may run a few tests to determine the cause of your fainting episode, these tests could be:

The doctor might enquire about your family history of syncope and a description of your fainting episodes, remember to share:

  • A description of your fainting episodes
  • The number of fainting episodes you’ve had in the past two years
  • What you were doing before you fainted
  • Any concerns you have about fainting (e.g. safety, your job, driving)
  • Any treatments you are receiving for fainting
  • If your family has a history of undiagnosed fainting or sudden cardiac death
  • How fainting is affecting your home and work life

Your doctor might perform an ECG which records the electrical activity of your heart. Every patient presenting with an unexplained faint should be given a 12-lead ECG 

Your doctor might take your blood work to check for any other underlying conditions that may have caused your fainting episode.

Your doctor might use an ECG to record your heart's electrical activity while you are active, this may be done on a treadmill or stationary bike.

Your doctor might conduct an Echocardiogram test which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of your heart structure.

Your doctor might measure your heart rate and blood pressure while you are in different positions including lying down, sitting, and standing.

Sometimes you doctor may want to investigate whether your fainting turns are associated with your brain. Tests aimed at investigating your brain or seizures might include an Electroencephalogram (EEG) or brain imaging via an MRI or CT-scan.

Follow these steps to start your journey to treatment

 

 

STEP 01

Take the symptom quiz 

Answer some simple questions about your experience with fainting and how many episodes you have had.

STEP 02

Discuss with your GP

Take the quiz results to your next appointment and discuss your treatment options.​

STEP 03

Find a specialist

If your GP recommends further treatment, find a suitable specialist near you.

Take the Symptom Quiz

 

Start the conversation by taking the interactive fainting symptom quiz. You be able to download your results at the end to help start your treatment journey. 

Medtronic

Unexplained fainting discussion guide

Your questionnaire results

Please use these results to help you talk to your doctor about which treatment options might be appropriate for you.



    For more information visit Medtronic.com.au/UnexplainedFainting

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    Question 1 of 8

    Have you fainted for no reason?

    Question 2 of 8

    When did your fainting begin?

    Question 3 of 8

    How many fainting spells have you had over the last 2 years?

    Question 4 of 8

    Do your faints occur without any warning?

    Question 5 of 8

    Are you receiving treatment for fainting or blackouts like medication or lifestyle changes, but treatment not helping?

    Question 6 of 8

    Do you feel heart palpitations before you faint?

    Question 7 of 8

    Have you ever fainted while exercising, lying down or sitting?

    Question 8 of 8

    Have you been diagnosed with a heart condition?

    Doctor discussion guide

    Fainting discussion guide

    Fainting can be worrying, Getting an answer to the cause of your faints is important for ensuring appropriate treatment, avoiding injury and maintaining a normal active life.  We have developed a handy discussion guide to help you discuss your symtpoms with your doctor. Download a copy today to take with you to your next GP visit.

    Download fainting discussion guide (opens new window)
    Syncope finding answers to unexplained fainting brochure

    Finding answers to unexplained fainting

    Understand your fainting episode and how it may relate to a cardiac cause. Download the patient booklet to better understand why you are fainting.

    Download patient booklet (opens new window)
    FAQ Page

    Frequently asked questions

    Have questions about your fainting episode or why you are fainting? Visit the frequently asked questions site for more information.

    Visit frequently asked questions (opens new window)
    Find a specialist

    If your GP suspects your fainting may be associated with your heart they may refer you to a heart rhythm specialist (Cardiac Electrophysiologist) for further evaluation. You can start by speaking with your GP using your symptom quiz answers.

     

     

     

    1. Slide 01

    Medtronic provides this listing as a service. We have no vested interest in any specific physicians, nor do we provide any recommendation, assurance, or guarantee with respect to their service. This listing may not be a complete list of all physicians who provide this service. Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

    TEST

    Why am I fainting?

    Find out more

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    Treatment options

    Find out more

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    FAQ's

    Frequently Asked Questions


    * Michele Brignole, Angel Moya, Frederik J de Lange, Jean-Claude Deharo, Perry M Elliott, Alessandra Fanciulli, Artur Fedorowski, Raffaello Furlan, Rose Anne Kenny, Alfonso Martín, Vincent Probst, Matthew J Reed, Ciara P Rice, Richard Sutton, Andrea Ungar, J Gert van Dijk, 2018 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of syncope, European Heart Journal, Volume 39, Issue 21, 01 June 2018, Pages 1883–1948, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehy037

     

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