Heart disease, usually by causing an abnormal rhythm, may lead to sudden loss of consciousness.
Hypotensive drugs, that is those used to control hypertension or high blood pressure, may cause giddiness or even fainting when the person suddenly changes posture from the sitting or lying to the standing position.
No matter what the cause of the syncope or faint, one common factor is the standing position.
Bleeding may occur from a duodenal ulcer and the rapid loss of one or two pints of blood may lead to fainting.
Conversely, reversing this, that is making a person lie flat, will rapidly prevent or lead to recovery from the faint.
Deep breathing, sitting, or putting one’s head between one’s knees, are inadequate means of preventing a fainting attack.
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