Blackouts and Syncope in Reading

A blackout or loss of consciousness can be a frightening experience. There are several possible causes, and it is important to establish why the episode happened. Some causes may be relatively straightforward, while others can be associated with an underlying cardiac condition. If you have experienced an unexplained blackout in Reading or Berkshire, a cardiological assessment can help investigate whether your heart rhythm or another cardiac problem could be contributing.

What is syncope?

Syncope is the medical term commonly used to describe fainting or a temporary loss of consciousness. Some people experience light-headedness or a feeling that they are about to faint beforehand, while others may lose consciousness with little warning.

Can heart problems cause blackouts?

Yes. Certain cardiac conditions can cause loss of consciousness. Abnormal heart rhythms are one possible cardiac cause. A cardiologist will consider what happened before, during and after the episode to help identify the potential cause.

What happens during a blackout assessment?

A cardiologist will take a detailed history and perform an examination. Important information can include:

  • What you were doing immediately before the blackout
  • Whether you experienced dizziness or palpitations
  • How long you were unconscious
  • Whether anyone witnessed the episode
  • What you felt like after regaining consciousness
  • Whether you have experienced previous episodes

A 12-lead ECG is usually an important part of the cardiac assessment.

Tests for blackouts and syncope

Depending on the circumstances, a cardiologist may arrange cardiac monitoring to investigate the heart rhythm. A standard monitor may be useful when episodes occur relatively frequently. However, if blackouts are particularly infrequent, the underlying rhythm problem may not occur during the monitoring period. In these circumstances, an implantable loop recorder, such as a LINQ device, can sometimes be considered. The device is placed underneath the skin and can monitor the heart rhythm for a prolonged period.

Blackouts and driving

A blackout can have implications for driving, so this should be discussed with an appropriate medical professional. If you have experienced a blackout, it is important to establish the underlying cause and understand whether any restrictions apply to driving.

 

Blackout assessment in Reading

If you have experienced an unexplained blackout in Reading, a cardiology assessment can help investigate possible cardiac causes. The appropriate investigations will depend on your symptoms and how frequently the episodes occur.

When should a blackout be investigated urgently?

A blackout should not simply be ignored, particularly if the cause is unclear. Medical assessment is especially important where a loss of consciousness occurs alongside symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations, or in circumstances that could suggest a cardiac cause. If someone is currently unconscious and does not recover normally, emergency medical assistance should be sought.

Frequently asked questions

What is syncope? Syncope is the medical term for fainting or temporary loss of consciousness.

Can heart problems cause blackouts? Yes. Certain cardiac conditions, particularly some abnormal heart rhythms, can cause loss of consciousness.

Can an arrhythmia cause fainting? Some abnormal heart rhythms can cause dizziness, feeling faint or a blackout.

What tests are used after a blackout? Depending on the circumstances, investigations may include an ECG and cardiac monitoring. Further tests may be arranged based on the initial assessment.

What is an implantable loop recorder? An implantable loop recorder is a small device placed underneath the skin that monitors heart rhythm over an extended period. It can be useful when blackouts are infrequent and shorter periods of monitoring have not identified the cause.