Fainting and near fainting, made clear.

Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness from reduced blood flow to the brain. A reflex may lower blood pressure and sometimes slow the pulse.

Unexplained fainting needs medical assessment, even if you recover quickly.

Blood pressure may drop after standing. A slow or fast rhythm can also reduce blood flow. Your symptoms and circumstances help guide the evaluation.

Fainting during exercise or with chest symptoms or known heart disease can require urgent care.

An EKG, heart monitor, and selected other tests can help. A witness account, medicine list, and description of warning symptoms are useful.

Follow your care team’s driving and safety restrictions. A monitor does not replace emergency care.