Presyncope is feeling like you’re about to faint, but you don’t. You may feel lightheaded, sick to your stomach or sweaty, among other symptoms. For many people, presyncope is a minor episode. But others may find that something serious is causing their issue. Many conditions, including some heart-related ones, cause this.
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Presyncope is staying conscious while feeling like you’re about to faint. Some providers call this common condition near syncope. Syncope is a medical term for fainting.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Presyncope (pree-sing-kuh-pee) can last a few seconds to a few minutes. For most people, it doesn’t cause major problems. But for a small percentage of people who have it, what happens next is more serious. Some people faint after experiencing presyncope and may get hurt when they fall. Others have issues from the cause of their presyncope, like a heart issue.
Presyncope symptoms include:
The main cause of presyncope is a lack of blood flow to your brain. If blood flow to your brain stops for six to eight seconds, you pass out.
Presyncope causes include:
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Risk factors for presyncope include:
A healthcare provider will talk with you about your medical history and the medications you take. They’ll also perform a physical exam. They may ask you questions like:
Tests to diagnose presyncope may include:
Treatment for presyncope depends on what’s causing it.
Presyncope treatment may include:
Yes, you may be able to prevent presyncope if you know the cause. You can lower your risk in these ways:
If you seek medical attention, a provider may admit you to a hospital or send you home after treatment. Then, you’ll need a follow-up appointment with your primary care provider (PCP).
If a provider finds a serious issue, you’ll need to see a cardiologist or another specialist. The cause of your presyncope determines how serious it is.
A study found that even having one of certain issues predicts a serious outcome for people with presyncope. These issues are:
If you know what’s causing presyncope in your case, do what you can to prevent it. For example, if you know it happens in hot, crowded rooms, try to plan for that. Bring a small fan, get a seat near a window or take breaks to step outside for fresh air every so often.
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If you feel an episode coming on, try sitting or lying down, clenching your fists or crossing your legs.
You should follow up with a provider after having an episode of presyncope. In many cases, they can help you figure out the cause or refer you to someone who can. You should get immediate help if you pass out (lose consciousness). Someone with you should call an ambulance.
Questions to consider asking your healthcare provider may include:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Whether it’s your first presyncope experience or not, it’s unsettling. You may wonder if you’re going to faint and get hurt. You may feel embarrassed when people keep asking if you’re OK. But you can take charge by finding out the cause and getting treatment for it.
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Last reviewed on 02/28/2024.
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