Heart problems can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fainting or near-fainting episodes, due to several reasons:
- Irregular Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmias): Abnormal heartbeats can cause the heart to pump blood less efficiently, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure, resulting in fainting or dizziness12.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The buildup of plaque in the arteries supplying the heart can restrict blood flow, causing angina (chest pain) or shortness of breath, which may lead to syncope (fainting) if blood pressure drops suddenly31.
- Heart Valve Disease: Conditions affecting the heart valves can lead to heart failure, which may result in fainting due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively4.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slowly, potentially leading to fainting. This is particularly true if the arrhythmia is accompanied by a drop in blood pressure2.
- Structural Heart Diseases: Conditions affecting the heart muscle, valves, or electrical system can lead to heart failure, which may result in fainting due to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively4.
If someone is experiencing recurrent episodes of passing out, it is crucial to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. Treatment will depend on the specific heart condition and the severity of symptoms. It may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or procedural interventions to manage the heart condition and prevent future episodes of syncope.