Singer Ivete Sangalo, 53, was admitted to a hospital in Salvador after fainting at home in the early hours of last Wednesday (25). The episode resulted in facial injuries, with cuts and bruises, which the artist later showed in a video posted on social media.
According to the singer herself and her team, the malaise was caused by a vasovagal syncope associated with intense dehydration after episodes of diarrhea, possibly triggered by a viral infection. After medical treatment, Ivete was discharged from the hospital and even joked about the injuries: “Estou lançando uma maquiagem diferente”.
The situation caught the public’s attention and reignited questions about a relatively common problem that is still little understood outside the medical field.
What happens in the body during a faint
Vasovagal syncope is considered the most frequent cause of temporary loss of consciousness. The episode occurs when there is 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, the phenomenon originates from a reflex of the autonomic nervous system — responsible for controlling involuntary body functions, such as heartbeats and blood vessel dilation.
Cardiovascular surgeon Ricardo Katayose, from BP – A Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, explains that the process works like an exaggerated physiological mechanism.
“It’s like the vagus nerve pulling the handbrake. It reduces the heart rate and drops the pressure. The brain receives less blood, leading to the faint,” he explains.
Despite the visual impact of the episode, the so-called “blackout” usually lasts only a few seconds. The greatest danger, according to experts, is not the faint itself, but the trauma caused by the fall — exactly what happened to the singer.
Warning signs usually appear beforehand
In most cases, the body sends warnings before the loss of consciousness. These initial symptoms are called prodromes and can appear seconds or minutes before the faint.
Among the main signs are blurred vision, ringing in the ears, sudden paleness, cold sweat, intense feeling of heat, nausea, and dizziness.
Recognizing these symptoms is essential to avoid accidents. Sitting or lying down immediately can prevent the fall and reduce the risk of injuries.
Why healthy people can also faint
Vasovagal syncope is not necessarily associated with heart disease. On the contrary, it can occur in individuals with no prior health problems.
Several factors can act as triggers, including dehydration, episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, excessive heat, prolonged fasting, emotional stress, and sudden changes in posture. In Ivete Sangalo’s case, the significant loss of fluids after the gastrointestinal episode likely contributed to the drop in blood pressure, favoring the faint.
Is there treatment or a cure?
There is no specific medication capable of completely preventing the vagal reflex. Treatment is mainly based on prevention and adapting daily habits.
According to Katayose, simple measures are usually sufficient to reduce new episodes.
“When the person notices the prodromes — blurred vision, ringing, dizziness — the ideal is to sit or lie down before the faint completes,” he explains.
Maintaining proper hydration, avoiding long periods standing still, getting up slowly, and spacing out meals are frequently recommended guidelines.
The specialist emphasizes that the condition is generally benign.
“It rarely causes any serious problem. 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 act when someone faints
In fainting situations, the recommendation is to lay the person on their back and elevate their legs to facilitate blood return to the heart and brain, speeding up the recovery of consciousness.
“Elevating the lower limbs helps reestablish circulation. Afterward, it’s important to wait for someone qualified to evaluate, because it’s not always possible to distinguish vasovagal syncope from other more serious causes,” Katayose advises.
In case of doubt, medical attention should be sought.
“Sometimes, a person just sees someone falling and doesn’t know how to identify it. If in doubt, call SAMU. But in most vasovagals, recovery is quick,” he says.
Diagnosis requires investigation
Although common and generally not serious, the diagnosis of vasovagal syncope is only confirmed after ruling out other potentially dangerous causes, mainly heart diseases.
Once the diagnosis is established, management mainly involves self-knowledge and prevention.
“It’s a condition that requires understanding your own body. Avoiding triggers and learning to act on the first signs usually resolves it,” the doctor concludes.
The episode experienced by Ivete Sangalo reinforces that even healthy and active people can have vasovagal syncope — and that recognizing your body’s signals remains the main form of prevention.
Source: brasil247.com