Singer Ivete Sangalo, 53, was hospitalized in Salvador after suffering a faint at home in the early hours of last Wednesday (25). The episode resulted in facial injuries, with cuts and bruises, later shown by the artist in a video posted on social media.
According to the singer herself and her team, the malaise was triggered by a vasovagal syncope episode associated with intense dehydration following episodes of diarrhea, possibly caused by a virus. After medical care, Ivete was discharged from the hospital and even joked about the injuries: “I’m launching a different makeup”.
The situation drew public attention and reignited questions about a relatively common problem that is still little understood outside medical circles.
What happens in the body during a faint
Vasovagal syncope is considered the most common cause of temporary loss of consciousness. The episode occurs due to a sudden drop in blood pressure associated with a reduction in heart rate, momentarily decreasing blood flow to the brain.
Unlike faints linked to serious arrhythmias or cardiac obstructions, this phenomenon stems from a reflex of the autonomic nervous system—responsible for controlling involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeats and blood vessel dilation.
Cardiovascular surgeon Ricardo Katayose, from BP – A Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, explains that the process acts like an exaggerated physiological mechanism.
“It’s like the vagus nerve pulling the handbrake. It slows the heart rate and drops the pressure. The brain gets less blood, leading to the faint,” he explains.
Despite the visual impact of the episode, the so-called “blackout” typically lasts only a few seconds. The biggest danger, according to experts, is not the faint itself but the injuries caused by the fall—exactly what happened to the singer.
Warning signs usually appear beforehand
In most cases, the body sends warnings before loss of consciousness. These initial symptoms are known as prodromes and can appear seconds or minutes before the faint.
The main signs include blurred vision, ringing in the ears, sudden paleness, cold sweat, intense heat sensation, nausea, and dizziness.
Recognizing these symptoms is crucial to prevent accidents. Sitting or lying down immediately can stop the fall and reduce injury risks.
Why healthy people can faint too
Vasovagal syncope is not necessarily linked to heart disease. On the contrary, it can occur in people with no prior health issues.
Various factors can act as triggers, including dehydration, vomiting or diarrhea episodes, excessive heat, prolonged fasting, emotional stress, and sudden posture changes.
In Ivete Sangalo’s case, significant fluid loss after the gastrointestinal issue likely contributed to the blood pressure drop, facilitating the faint.
Is there treatment or a cure?
There is no specific medication that can completely prevent the vagal reflex. Treatment focuses mainly on prevention and adapting daily habits.
According to Katayose, simple measures are often enough to reduce new episodes.
“When the person notices the prodromes—blurred vision, ringing, dizziness—the best is to sit or lie down before the faint occurs,” he explains.
Maintaining proper hydration, avoiding long periods standing still, getting up slowly, and spacing out meals are commonly recommended.
The specialist stresses that the condition is usually benign.
“It rarely causes serious problems. Unlike a malignant arrhythmia, in vasovagal syncope the brain self-regulates. It’s a momentary shock; blood flow returns, and the person recovers,” he states.
How to help someone who faints
In fainting situations, lay the person on their back and elevate their legs to aid blood return to the heart and brain, speeding up consciousness recovery.
“Raising the lower limbs helps restore circulation. Then, wait for someone qualified to assess, as it’s not always possible to distinguish vasovagal syncope from more serious causes,” Katayose advises.
When in doubt, seek medical help.
“Sometimes people just see someone collapse and can’t identify it. If unsure, call SAMU. But in most vasovagal cases, recovery is quick,” he says.
Diagnosis requires investigation
Although common and usually harmless, vasovagal syncope diagnosis is only confirmed after ruling out other potentially dangerous causes, especially heart conditions.
Once diagnosed, management mainly involves self-awareness and prevention.
“It’s a condition that requires understanding your own body. Avoiding triggers and learning to respond to early signs usually does the trick,” the doctor concludes.
The episode experienced by Ivete Sangalo highlights that even healthy, active people can have vasovagal syncope—and recognizing one’s body signals remains the best prevention.
Source: brasil247.com