Dr. Masawudu Abubakar, an internal medicine resident with White River Health and originally from Ghana, appeared on the latest episode of the 'Health Matters' podcast to discuss syncope, commonly known as fainting. Syncope, he explained, is caused by a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain and can affect up to 40% of adults during their lifetimes.
Dr. Abubakar categorized the condition into three main types:
- **Reflex syncope**: Often triggered by stress, the sight of blood, or standing for extended periods. - **Cardiac syncope**: Related to heart rhythm problems or blood clots. - **Orthostatic syncope**: Occurs when standing up too quickly.
He emphasized the need to seek emergency care immediately if fainting episodes are accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, as these could indicate more serious medical conditions.
For those seeking to prevent fainting episodes, Abubakar recommended staying hydrated, avoiding rapid changes in position, and consulting with a doctor to review medications that may increase susceptibility.
The 'Health Matters' podcast is hosted by Joel Williams and produced as part of White River Health programming, which shares medical insights relevant to local communities.