Fainted - is it worth seeing GP?

[SpicyKale]

Have never ever fainted until a fairly important event last year (fortunately not during a crucial moment). At the time, did nothing because I attributed it to the heat, little food and a glass of fizz.

Nearly fainted again last night (tunnel vision, tinnitus, sweats, dizziness) but I sat down in time and managed to pull it back. I then went outside into the cold and nearly fainted again so had to sit down. Had cola and some nuts my friend had in her bag, and it took a while to get out of it. Again, it's probably because it was hot, I didn't eat much and had a pint.

I know fainting is pretty common and I think I know the contributing factors, as I've mentioned above - would you bother going to see a GP in this situation?

I wouldn't if I was fairly sure it happened because of x, y & z. Consciously eat more when you know you're going to have a drink, or avoid alcohol if that's easier.

Have you taken your blood pressure recently?

@warblingwater not since January for the pill. It was pretty much perfect then

Might be worth some bloods to check all as it should be.

The NHS says see a GP if you have fainted. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fainting/

Easier said than done when appointments can be a challenge! Do you know anyone with medical training you could casually run it past? Things like this are when it's helpful to have a doctor/nurse in the family to give you informal pointers!

It's one of those things where 99% of the time there is no big deal, people faint because they got hot, were dehydrated, hadn't eaten, were stressed. But every now and then it's a sign of a significant problem that needs further medical involvement. So a medical professional can help to rule that out.

At the very least I would go see a pharmacist who can do the blood pressure checks. If you think you could be deficient in anything might be worth seeing GP so they can book a blood test.

I fainted last year, for only the second time in my life (early 50s). I saw my GP, mainly because I hit my head on furniture on the way down. GP was very thorough, asked lots of questions, and then concluded it was nothing to worry about. Background - i felt quite unwell on the morning in question, but continued with my daily routine, until I fainted.

But I was pleased I got it checked out

PS - my GP did blood tests and checked my BP but it was all normal.

Hi OP. I used to have tendency to feel dizzy when standing for prolonged periods but I always got warning and could sit down. Then 3 months ago, I fainted spectacularly at my gran’s funeral - the reverend sprang forwards and caught me, losing a shoe (we still giggle about it, we’re good friends). She is an ex nurse and said don’t worry, it’s probably one of those things and a one off, but just keep an eye out and if you’re in doubt, or take a while to recover, see your GP.

Yes see the GP

Heat, alcohol, empty stomach looks like plenty of explanation both times. I wouldn't worry at all unless it happens in other circumstances.

I nearly fainted recently and seems I’ve got very low ferretin. First stop is GP, you need bloods checked - BP etc

I'd get them to have a look at you, a non urgent GP appointment is fine.

I have been known to faint if I'm a bit coldy/unwell or recovering + sudden temp change (or very hot room). Not surprised you felt woozy again after you went outside.

I assume you've also checked you aren't pregnant (yes, you said you were on the pill, but worth checking)

Have you been checked for anaemia? Any other symptoms? Short of breath, dizzy doing exercise, tired more than normal? Are you underweight?

A one off, I'd blame on the things you said, but I'd get it checked. IF you were anaemic, it takes 3mths to fully recover your red blood cells with the correct meds- so I'd get it checked. Along with your blood pressure when lying down and again after standing- to check for a postural drop.

Definitely ask for a blood test.
It can be a low iron?

I had a blood test after fainting and was found to be low in ferritin and prescribed iron tablets for a few months. I had also been feeling dizzy, short of breath, tired etc.

I donated blood around 10 days ago so iron levels were tested at that point and were fine. I wonder if being down a pint of blood has decreased BP slightly too?

Haven't taken a pregnancy test though I wouldn't expect to be pregnant @SM4713 . My last pill break was week of 10 July which was only a few weeks ago.

I am still feeling quite woozy today (have eaten a lot, and obviously had nothing alcoholic to drink). I'll see how I go but may give the GP a call later and see when they can see me if I don't perk up