Which of the following best describes the symptom profile of a vasovagal response?

Which of the following best describes the symptom profile of a vasovagal response?

• A. Hypotension, bradycardia, sweating, nausea, pallor, blank stare
• B. Hypertension, tachycardia, flushing
• C. Chest pain and shortness of breath
• D. Headache and dizziness only

Answer: (A)

Vasovagal syncope is a reflex that increases vagal tone and reduces sympathetic output, causing the heart rate to slow (bradycardia) and the blood vessels to dilate (hypotension). This drop in blood pressure and heart rate decreases cerebral perfusion, leading to fainting and a prodrome of autonomic symptoms. The classic picture includes low blood pressure, slow heart rate, sweating, nausea, and pallor, often with a brief moment of unresponsiveness or a blank stare as consciousness is affected. These features together reflect the characteristic autonomic imbalance of a vasovagal response, rather than a hypertensive state, chest pain, or isolated dizziness alone.

Vasovagal syncope is a reflex that increases vagal tone and reduces sympathetic output, causing the heart rate to slow (bradycardia) and the blood vessels to dilate (hypotension). This drop in blood pressure and heart rate decreases cerebral perfusion, leading to fainting and a prodrome of autonomic symptoms. The classic picture includes low blood pressure, slow heart rate, sweating, nausea, and pallor, often with a brief moment of unresponsiveness or a blank stare as consciousness is affected. These features together reflect the characteristic autonomic imbalance of a vasovagal response, rather than a hypertensive state, chest pain, or isolated dizziness alone.