What Do Blackout Episodes Suggest?

Posted on Sun, 31 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 31 May 2015 Answered on

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I blackout and have to sit down fast when I stand up. Should I go to emergency room? This has been happening for over a week now but it is worse now. I literally almost completely pass out

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should go to ER.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

In my opinion, since your condition is worsening, you should go to ER.

A possible cause of your symptoms is orthostatic hypotension,but this needs to be evaluated.

It is important to exclude/evaluate heart and neurologic conditions as possible causes of your passing out.

Hope this helps. Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (12 minutes later)

I was unsure seeing that I feel fine except for when I stand up and go through that for few minutes.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably orthostatic hypotension.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

My opinion remains the same, your symptoms are caused most probably by lowering of blood pressure when you change position from sitting or laying to standing, but since there is worsening of symptoms, medical evaluation needed to assess/ exclude important health conditions.

Hope this helps. Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj