Dizziness or Fainting

Overview

Dizziness or fainting, also known as syncope when loss of consciousness occurs, is often described as feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or on the verge of passing out. While these symptoms can result from minor issues such as dehydration or anxiety, they may also be warning signs of a cardiovascular condition, especially if they occur frequently, during exertion, or alongside chest discomfort or palpitations.

At Cardiology Care NYC, we assess whether dizziness or fainting is related to an underlying heart condition and develop appropriate treatment strategies.

Causes

When dizziness or fainting is related to the heart, it may be caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, abnormal heart rhythms, or circulatory instability.

Possible cardiac-related causes include:

• Arrhythmias (irregular or rapid heartbeat)
• Low cardiac output due to heart failure
• Aortic stenosis or other valve disorders
• Orthostatic hypotension (sudden blood pressure drop when standing)
• Cardiomyopathy
• Coronary artery disease
• Uncontrolled hypertension or low blood pressure

Other contributing factors may include dehydration, anemia, anxiety, medication effects, or low blood sugar.

Symptoms

Dizziness or fainting may appear suddenly or gradually and can be accompanied by other warning signs.

Common associated symptoms include:

• Lightheadedness or a spinning sensation
• Blurred vision or seeing spots
• Feeling unsteady or about to collapse
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Chest discomfort
• Nausea or sweating
• Brief loss of consciousness (syncope)

Seek immediate help if fainting occurs unexpectedly, during exertion, or is accompanied by chest pain or breathing difficulty.

Diagnosis

At Cardiology Care NYC, diagnosis focuses on identifying whether dizziness or fainting is linked to a heart condition.

Diagnostic steps may include:

• Review of medical history and symptom triggers
• Blood pressure monitoring, including posture-related changes
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for rhythm abnormalities
• Echocardiogram to evaluate heart valves and pumping function
• Holter monitoring to detect intermittent arrhythmias
• Stress testing to determine if symptoms are exertion-related
• Comprehensive cardiovascular screening through tailored cardiac diagnostic services

Treatment

Treatment aims to address the underlying cause, prevent recurrence, and improve circulation and heart rhythm stability.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Stay hydrated and avoid sudden posture changes
• Engage in moderate exercise under professional guidance
• Manage stress and sleep patterns
• Maintain healthy blood pressure and weight

Medications

If a cardiac cause is identified, medications may be prescribed to:

• Regulate heart rhythm
• Improve heart function
• Control blood pressure
• Support blood flow and reduce fainting risk

Ongoing Care

Regular monitoring helps evaluate symptom improvement, optimize treatment, and prevent future episodes. Follow-up may include rhythm tracking, blood pressure management, and cardiovascular risk reduction strategies.

When To See A Doctor

Schedule a consultation if you experience:

• Recurring dizziness or near-fainting episodes
• Fainting during physical activity or emotional stress
• Dizziness associated with chest pain or palpitations
• Lightheadedness accompanied by shortness of breath or fatigue
• Sudden, unexplained fainting

At Cardiology Care NYC, we provide detailed assessments and personalized care plans to identify the cause of dizziness or fainting, improve stability, and protect long-term cardiovascular health.