A fainting fit as a result of a slowing down of the heartbeats caused by excessive activity of the vagus nerve.
A temporary reaction marked by pale skin, nausea, sweating, slow heartbeat, and dropping blood pressure; often accompanied by a loss of consciousness. Vasovagal attack is also known as simple fainting. Cowers syndrome, and vasodepressor syncope. A vasovagal attack is rarely preceded by pain or squeezing in the chest or shortness of breath. The attack may have a variety of triggers, including standing at attention for long periods, standing up quickly, hypotension (low blood pressure), cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), severe pain, sudden fright, medications or drugs (including alcohol, blood pressure medications, central nervous system depressants, and decongestants), strenuous coughing, strain during a bowel movement, or hyperventilation (rapid, shallow breathing). A person who experiences repeated vasovagal attacks should be examined by a doctor to determine the cause.
Excessive activity of the vagus nerve, causing slowing of the heart and a fall in blood pressure, which leads to fainting.
The temporary loss of consciousness caused by an abrupt slowing of the heartbeat. This may happen following acute pain, fear, or stress. A common cause of fainting in normal people, a vasovagal attack may be a consequence of overstimulation of the vagus nerve which is involved in the control of breathing and the circulation.