Fainting

Causes of fainting

There are many reasons why someone might faint.

Causes can include:

• standing up too quickly – this could be a sign of low blood pressure
• not eating or drinking enough
• being too hot
• being very upset, angry or in severe pain
• heart problems
• taking drugs or drinking too much alcohol

Symptoms of fainting

Fainting usually happens suddenly. Symptoms can include:

• dizziness
• sweating
• feeling warm or hot
• feeling sick
• changes to your vision

When and where to get medical help

Fainting is not usually serious but you should get medical help, depending on your symptoms.

See a GP if:

• you have fainted

It’s probably nothing serious, but it’s important to get checked by a GP to find out what might have caused it.

Call 999 if someone:

• is not breathing
• cannot be woken up within 1 minute
• has not fully recovered or has difficulty with speech or movement
• has chest pain or a pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat (heart palpitations)
• has seriously hurt themselves before or after fainting
• is shaking or jerking (having a seizure or fit)
• fainted while exercising
• fainted while lying down

A&E safety messaging (for 999 only)

Do not drive yourself to A&E.

The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.

Things you can do to prevent fainting

If you feel like you're about to faint, try to:

• lie down with your legs raised – if you cannot do this, then sit with your head lowered between your knees
• drink some water
• cross your legs while standing up or rock up and down on your toes
• clench your fists

Fainting

Fainting

Fainting

Causes of fainting can include standing up too quickly, not eating or drinking enough and having a heart problem.

Signs that you're about to faint include dizziness, changes to your vision and feeling sick.

You can try to stop yourself fainting by lying down with your legs raised, sitting with your head between your knees, or drinking some water.