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The Effects of Salt Intake on Neurocardiogenic Syncope

Neurocardiogenic syncope is a condition that occurs in adolescents and adults. Syncope is a symptom in which a person will faint as a result in drop of heart rate. It most commonly occurs when a person stands after being in a sitting position. Blood pools up in the lower extremities, and when you stand, the blood returns to the brain, causing a surge of adrenaline. This will then trigger a host of symptoms such as fainting, dizziness and feeling off kilter. There are various ways to treat the ailment, with salt being a good option.

  1. Why Salt

    • People who experience a syncope episode have low blood pressure. Normal ranges for heart rates are 60 to 100 beats per minutes. If the heart rate drops below 60, this can cause problems. By increasing salt intake, this will regulate your heart rate.

    Salt Study

    • In a study done by El-Sayed and Hainsworth (1999), 20 patients who suffered from neurocardiogenic syncope were given salt to monitor the effects of their intake. By increasing small amounts of salt into a person's diet, it helped minimize effects of symptoms.

    Effects

    • In combination with drinking at least two liters of water a day, salt helps retain the fluid in your blood vessels longer. Minor symptoms of neurocardiogenic syncope, such as headaches or feeling lightheaded, were drastically alleviated because of an increase in salt consumption.

    Warnings

    • However, if you have high blood pressure, speaking with a physician is recommended to see if increasing salt in your diet is an option. With an increased blood pressure, adding more salt to your diet may not have the desired results.

    Salt Foods

    • If you suffer from this condition, it's good to have foods and drinks handy to help alleviate symptoms should they develop. Gatorade is a favorite drink because it already contains essential electrolytes as well as keeping salt packets nearby. Sodium chloride tablets (600 mg, two to four tablets a day) can also be useful, but you should speak with a physician first.

    Assessment

    • It's important to speak with your doctor to see if increasing salt into your diet will help alleviate symptoms induced by neurocardiogenic syncope. In some cases, salt may not be effective, and medications such as beta blockers may be required. In severe cases, a pacemaker may need to be installed in order to help regulate heart rate.

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