Syncope

Syncope is temporary loss of consciousness, described as "fainting" or "passing out." It's usually related to temporary insufficient blood flow to the brain. It most often occurs when the blood pressure is too low (hypotension) and the heart doesn't pump a normal supply of oxygen to the brain. 

Syncope can be caused by stress, pain, pooling of blood in the legs due to sudden changes in body position, overheating, dehydration, or exhaustion. It may occur during violent coughing spells due to rapid changes in blood pressure. It may also result from a heart, neurologic, psychiatric, metabolic or lung disorder. It can also occur as a side effect of some medicines.

With the state-of-the-art equipment and technology at the Fred & Lena Meijer Heart Center, you are in the best place to access the latest treatments for syncope. What truly sets us apart, though, is the way we care for you. Spectrum Health electrophysiologists not only work together to come up with the best care plans for our patients, but also to deliver the best patient experience possible. 

For example, when we implant pacemakers, we safely and effectively let patients go home the same day, rather than spending a night in the hospital. The next day, the patient’s device is checked remotely via the Internet. This keeps costs down, has proven to be just as safe, and it makes patients happier to be home in the comfort of their own beds. No other comparable electrophysiology program in the nation is able to do this like Spectrum Health.