Fainting and loss of conciousness

Telephone Consultation Cardiologist COVID-19

Private secretary: +44 (0) 7812243176

Appointments, Little Aston Hospital: 0121 580 7151

Appointments, Priory Hospital: 0121 440 2323

COVID-19 ALERT

At present, there are no restrictions to outpatient appointments at Spire Little Aston Hospital, Sutton Coldfield. In line with hospital policy, patients can access face-to-face appointments, as long as they answer the hospital's COVID-19 screening questionnaire, wear a mask and have their temperature taken on arrival. Unless essential, patients should not be accompanied. Telephone and video appointments (via 'zoom') can be arranged if there is a medical reason preventing a face-to-face appointment.

Please note that a clinical opinion can be provided on the basis of a remote consultation, but a physical examination and/or additional investigations may be required.

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-León

MD, FRCP, FACC

Professor of Cardiology, Consultant Cardiologist

Telephone Consultation Cardiologist COVID-19