Symptoms · Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates
Dizziness and fainting (syncope)
Feeling dizzy once in a while may be harmless. But dizziness and fainting (doctors call fainting syncope) can also come from serious health problems, including heart problems.
Medically reviewed by Michael Ghalchi, MD, FACC · Last reviewed: Pending review
- What it can mean
- The most common kind of fainting happens when your body overreacts to something, like strong emotion or pain, and your blood pressure drops for a short time. It is often harmless. Fainting can also come from a heart problem that keeps enough blood from reaching your brain.
- When to see a cardiologist
- Tell a doctor about any dizzy spells. If you fainted, get checked promptly, because fainting can be a sign of heart disease. If you feel faint, sit or lie down until it passes, so you don’t fall and get hurt.
- What happens at MCVA
- Dr. Ghalchi sees you himself. The tests you may need are done right here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day. He reads every study himself. You leave with answers and a written plan.
- Insurance and referrals
- No referral needed. We are in-network with most major plans, and we can check yours before you come.
Same-day appointments available
Who is more at risk
You may be more likely to faint if you are older, have heart or blood vessel disease, or have a family history of heart problems.
Types of fainting
The exact cause of a fainting spell can’t always be found. But fainting usually falls into one of these types:
Cardiac syncope
The heart isn’t sending enough blood to the brain. Problems with the heart’s electrical system or its structure can cause this.
Cerebrovascular syncope
The blood vessels in and around the brain don’t work as they should, so less blood reaches the brain. This can come from an injury or some health conditions.
Vasovagal (reflex) syncope
The most common type. Your body overreacts to a trigger, and your blood pressure drops for a short time. Strong emotion, intense pain, or even coughing or laughing can set it off. It is often harmless.
Orthostatic syncope
You feel lightheaded when you stand up, because your blood pressure dips for a moment. Not drinking enough fluids, alcohol and some medicines can also cause it.
Treatment
To make the right plan, Dr. Ghalchi first needs to find the cause. The most useful tests are an ECG, an echocardiogram, a carotid ultrasound, a stress test and a heart monitor.
How we find the cause
Tests that may help
Dr. Ghalchi chooses tests based on your symptoms. They are done right here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day — and he reads every study himself.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)A quick recording of your heart’s electrical activity, done at the visit.
- EchocardiogramAn ultrasound that shows your heart’s size, pumping and valves.
- Carotid ultrasoundAn ultrasound of the arteries in your neck that carry blood to the brain.
- Stress testShows how your heart works while you exercise.
- Heart rhythm monitoringA small monitor you wear to record your heart rhythm over days, not minutes.
Questions patients ask
Dizziness and fainting: common questions
I fainted once and feel fine now. Do I need to be seen?
Yes. Fainting should be checked promptly, because it can be a sign of heart disease.
Is it normal to feel dizzy when I stand up?
This happens when your blood pressure dips for a moment as you stand. Not drinking enough fluids, alcohol and some medicines can make it more likely. If it keeps happening, tell your doctor.
What should I do if I feel like I’m going to faint?
Sit or lie down until the feeling passes. Fainting while standing can lead to injuries.
Can you always find the cause?
Not always. But tests like an ECG, an echocardiogram and a heart monitor help find, or rule out, a heart cause.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book with Dr. Ghalchi directly. We are in-network with most major plans. If you’re not sure about your plan, call us and we’ll check.
Can I be seen today?
Same-day appointments available. You can book online up to 2 hours ahead, or call 212-686-0066. How same-day appointments work
Book
Get it checked. See Dr. Ghalchi.
Choose an open time on Dr. Ghalchi’s calendar, or call and we’ll find one with you. Same-day appointments available, in-network, no referral needed.