Fainting and loss of conciousness

Telephone Consultation Cardiologist COVID-19

Private secretary: +44 7812 243176

Appointments, Little Aston Hospital: 0121 580 7151

Appointments, Priory Hospital: 0121 440 2323

COVID-19 ALERT

Following the UK Government's guidelines, outpatient and inpatient access to NHS and private facilities in the UK have been restricted. Patients can still access private consultations via telephone or video links. Until recently, only patients who were considered critical by the Consultant could be seen in person in a hospital or clinic. As from June 2020, tests for non-critical problems can be performed. Face to face contacts, however, will still need to be kept at a minimum.

If you would like to consult with Professor Leyva, please contact his secretary to arrange a new or follow-up telephone or video appointment. The video consultation can be done using 'Zoom' and a specific code. Please note that a clinical opinion will be provided on the basis of a remote consultation and that additional tests and procedures will be planned after this consultation. If your situation is critical, a face-to-face appointment may be arranged.

Fainting and loss of consciousness

Transient loss of consciousness can due either to a problem with the heart, the circulation or the brain. Fainting can occur in healthy individuals, but disorders of the heart, circulation and brain should be considered.

Cardiac causes of loss of consciousness include slow heart rates (bradyarrhythmias) and fast heart rates (tachyarrhythmias). Brain-related causes include epilepsy. Strokes and mini-strokes (transient ischaemic attacks, TIA's) do not generally cause loss of consciousness. It can also occur in patients with metabolic disorders, such as in diabetics on insulin or diabetic drugs.

Professor Francisco Leyva MD, FRCP, FACC

Professor of Cardiology, Consultant Cardiologist

Telephone Consultation Cardiologist COVID-19