Heat syncope (fainting)

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Heat syncope (fainting)

Heat syncope occurs when you faint suddenly and lose consciousness because of low blood pressure. Heat causes the blood vessels to expand (dilate), so body fluid moves into the legs by gravity, which causes low blood pressure and may result in fainting.

Symptoms that could lead to heat syncope (fainting) include:

• Feeling faint or lightheaded.
• Pale, cool, and moist skin.
• Lightheadedness when you change position, such as moving from a lying position to a standing position (orthostatic hypotension).

Heat syncope can be caused by blood pooling in the legs if you have been standing still for a long time in a hot environment. It can also be caused by vigorous physical activity for two or more hours before the fainting happens.

Your risk of developing heat syncope increases when you have not adjusted (acclimated) to a hot environment. Being dehydrated may also increase your risk for heat syncope. Recovery is rapid once you lie down in a cool environment.

Heat syncope is sometimes a symptom of a nervous system, metabolic, or cardiovascular problem that needs further medical evaluation.

Credits

Last updated:	October 07, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer