Syncope is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness caused by a brief reduction in blood flow to the brain. It is commonly referred to as fainting and is usually followed by spontaneous and complete recovery. While some syncopal episodes are harmless, others may indicate serious underlying heart conditions, particularly when episodes are recurrent, occur during exertion, or happen without warning.

Cardiac syncope is one of the most concerning forms and is often related to abnormalities in heart rhythm, structural heart disease, valve disorders, or reduced cardiac output. Conditions such as arrhythmias, heart block, cardiomyopathy, severe aortic stenosis, or ischemic heart disease can interrupt the heart’s ability to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain, resulting in fainting.

Patients may experience warning signs such as dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, palpitations, nausea, or sweating before an episode. However, in many cardiac-related cases, syncope can occur suddenly without any preceding symptoms, increasing the risk of injury from falls and signaling a potentially life-threatening condition.

Syncope should never be ignored, especially in individuals with known heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of sudden cardiac death. Prompt evaluation is essential to identify the cause and prevent recurrence or serious complications.

Diagnosis involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and cardiac investigations such as ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiography, stress testing, or advanced electrophysiological studies. Blood tests and imaging may also be used to rule out non-cardiac causes.

Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis and may include medications, correction of electrolyte imbalances, rhythm control therapies, pacemaker or defibrillator implantation, or interventional procedures. With timely diagnosis and appropriate management, most patients can significantly reduce recurrence risk and improve long-term safety.