Know all about vasovagal syncope, the condition Shantanu Maheshwaris Dr Roy suffers from in Tooth Pari – The Indian Express

Tooth Pari: When Love Bites, the fictional show depicting a love story between a vampire and a human being, starring Tanya Maniktala and Shantanu Maheshwari in the lead, recently released to rave reviews. In the Netflix show, the protagonist, a shy dentist named Dr Roy played by Maheshwari, suffers from a medical condition of vasovagal syncope, which is characterised by temporary fainting episodes owing to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure at the sight of blood.

If you were wondering what this condition is, weve got you covered with help from experts.

Understanding triggers and symptoms

Calling it a type of reflex syncope, Dr Javin Jameria, cardiologist, Nirali Cancer Hospital said that it is a condition that can lead to a temporary loss of consciousness due to a fall in heart rate and blood pressure, ultimately resulting in decreased cerebral perfusion.The early symptoms of reflex syncope may include sweating, nausea, tunnel or blurred vision, and pale skin.

Symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness, paleness, lack of energy, profuse sweating, blurring of vision, and loss of balance are also commonly identified, noted Dr Pradeep Haranahalli, cardiologist Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospitals, Whitefield, Bangalore.

He added that some triggers include long periods of standing in hot, humid weather or being in a crowded, uncomfortable, closed place, site of blood or mutilated body parts, sudden painful stimulus, and other stressors like hearing bad news. The tendency is further enhanced by dehydration, being on medications like diuretics and vasodilators, and is usually seen in thin, lean individuals, Dr Haranahalli added.

Diagnosis

Emphasising that such episodes can be quite traumatic but very rarely catastrophic, Dr Haranahalli said that most often, they self-correct by themselves. There is no diagnostic test, but symptoms and scenarios are helpful to diagnose. However, certain tests may be done to rule out other possible causes of syncope fainting, Dr Haranahalli said.

Agreed Dr Hemalata Arora, senior consultant, Internal Medicine, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai and said that the condition is diagnosed by collecting the medical history of the patient followed by physical examination and tests such as ECG, echocardiogram, and tilt table test.

Management and treatment

The basic management of reflex syncope typically involves helping the patient lie down in a supine position on the floor and elevating their limbs, shared Dr Jameria. Additionally, patients may be asked to cough. In rare cases, medication such as midodrine may be required to manage the symptoms of reflex syncope, Dr Jameria mentioned.

However, one should consider active treatment if the symptoms persist. The treatment may involve medications to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, or mood, said Dr Arora. In more severe cases, doctors may also suggest a pacemaker to maintain a stable heart rate. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs and medical history, said Dr Arora.

Prevention

Avoiding known triggers, taking plenty of oral fluids, and wearing loose, comfortable clothes during the summer months can help, Dr Haranahalli mentioned. Compression stockings can also be helpful, in addition to avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. One should also take a doctors advice on their existing ongoing medications which can help prevent such episodes, said Dr Haranahalli.

Dr Arora listed a few tips to manage and prevent vasovagal syncope

* Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.*Avoid standing for extended periods; shift your weight or sit down when possible.*Gradually change positions from lying or sitting to standing.*Be aware of warning signs, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, and act accordingly.*Practice stress management techniques like deep breathing or meditation.*Identify and steer clear of known triggers.

Is there a cure?

While there is no cure for vasovagal syncope but understanding the condition, identifying and avoidance of triggers and lifestyle modifications can help to curb the frequency and severity of episodes, noted Dr Ayushi, cardiologist Consultant at Prayag Group of Hospitals.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity while avoiding overexertion and heat exhaustion is important to avoid the triggers. However, if a person experiences a fainting episode, it is important to lie down and elevate your legs to help increase blood flow to the brain. If injured, the person should seek medical attention or if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat, Dr Ayushi added.

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First published on: 26-04-2023 at 14:10 IST

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Know all about vasovagal syncope, the condition Shantanu Maheshwaris Dr Roy suffers from in Tooth Pari - The Indian Express