Fainting spells: Preventing vasovagal syncope
How can vasovagal syncope be prevented? Guided yoga exercises are more effective than conventional treatments for preventing fainting episodes in repeat patients.
This is the conclusion of a research report published in EP Europace, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Guided yoga therapy was also more effective than standard treatment in improving quality of life.
The present study was the first randomized trial to examine guided yoga exercise as a treatment for patients with vasovagal syncope.
According to study author Professor Jayaprakash Shenthar of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, the benefits of the guided yoga program were evident as early as three months after starting therapy and were maintained at six and 12 months.
Preliminary evidence suggests that the breathing and meditation aspects of yoga have a positive effect on the autonomic system, while the asanas improve vascular tone — both of which could prevent the accumulation of blood in lower body regions due to gravity.
Sources: Medizindoc, European Society of Cardiology / Jayaprakash Shenthar et al, A randomized study of yoga therapy for the prevention of recurrent reflex vasovagal syncope
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