Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Fainting
SYNCOPE
Fainting or "blacking out", medically known as syncope, is a momentary loss of consciousness, often followed by a fall
Why do we faint?
Fainting can happen for a number of reasons, but it's usually related to a sudden drop in blood pressure or an abrupt and abnormal increase or slowing of your heart rate. These lead to a reduction in oxygen-rich blood flowing to your brain. This can be caused by an underlying heart problem.
Need to know
Just before fainting, you may experience some warning signs, such as feeling hot, weak or nauseous. You may also feel dizzy, experience blurred vision or have difficulty hearing just prior to passing out. Other common warning symptoms include:
- a cold sweat
- ringing in your ears
- confusion
- palpitations
An episode of fainting can sometimes be triggered by certain medications, standing too quickly or for too long, pain or emotional stress. The loss of consciousness associated with fainting is usually very brief, but will cause you to collapse if you're standing at the time.
Fainting may not be a sign of anything serious. However, if you've been fainting frequently, have chest pains, are pregnant or have a family history of heart disease, your GP or consultant may want to investigate the potential underlying cause.
If they suspect you may have a heart problem, you might have an electrocardiogram to monitor your heart's rhythm and electrical activity, and a Holter monitor which you wear to record your heart’s rhythm over up to several days. A tilt-table test might be recommended if your fainting episodes seem to be related to a change in blood pressure when you sit or stand.
Treatment options for fainting will depend on the type you've been experiencing. Your consultant will discuss your options with you and in many cases, no treatment is needed. If an underlying cause of fainting is found, treating it should help prevent further episodes.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.