FEELING FAINT / PASSING OUT 83
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES Sudden shock can lead to feeling faint or even passing out.
• Rest and ask someone to stay with you until you feel better.
• Follow the first-aid advice for treating fainting( p. 53)
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if it happens again.
Did you feel faint or pass out immediately after either of the following?
Emotional shock
Getting up suddenly
Neither
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS if you passed out, or in the next few days even if you did not pass out. The most likely cause is a temporary drop in blood pressure due to a change in position.
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have low blood pressure due to an irregular heartbeat or worsening of an existing heart condition.
Does either of the following apply?
You have diabetes
You had not eaten for several hours before passing out
Neither
Do you have any of the following?
Shortness of breath
Paler skin than normal
Inordinate fatigue
None of the above
Does either of the following apply?
You have had chest pain or you have a heart condition
You have had palpitations
Neither
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW Low blood sugar( which may be due to excessive insulin treatment) could be the cause.
• Eat or drink something sugary now.
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may be anemic. This can be confirmed by a blood test.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Fainting is common in early pregnancy. If you are not sure whether you are pregnant, do a home pregnancy test.
Might you be pregnant?
Possibly pregnant
Not pregnant
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW if you passed out and cannot identify a possible cause from this chart.
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS if you cannot identify a possible cause for feeling faint.