Nerocardiogenic Syncope?

I was just diagnosed with Nerocardiogenic Syncope after failing the tilt table test because i passed out minutes after taking the nitroglicerin tab and now that i know whats wrong its scary to know that people with this diagnosis should not drive and refrain from anything that has to do with heights. So far i have only felt lightheaded and to the point of passing out but not quite (only during the tilt test). Is this something that can get worse? Does anyone have this condition and how do you manage?

i wish i more because i have to go take the test tuesday

You doctor would be looking at drug to manage this, but if it gets worse, you have to see a doctor immediatly.

I have had this for many years. While it is annoying and you do have to make lifestyle changes it can be dealt with.

However you said you passed out after taking a Nitroglycerin tablet. That in itself is not that uncommon. Nitrogycerin can and will lower your blood pressure sometimes hence you may feel dizzy and pass out. When you take nitro in the future make sure you are sitting down in a safe chair where you will not fall.

You the lightheadedness only occured when on the tilt table. The first part of the test is they place you at 70 degree angle and wait and watch your blood pressure and your pulse in a quiet dark room. If no changes they give you a drug that speeds up your heart rate. Then they watch. Reflexively some people's heart tries to slow down dramatically on its own ( stimulation of the vagal nerve ) hence drops the blood pressure. They become symptomatic possibly lightheaded dizzy or pass out for a few seconds- ( less than 1 mintue). hence a positive test.

Can it get worse? Of course it can, anything can? Does it? not always. There are many factors involved and each person is different as to the cause that triggered it. There is no cure for it but it is manageable. Dont let it take over your life.

My syncope is a result of coughing . Called Cough Syncope. or NCS. For me it was getting a pacemaker which would not let my heart rate drop too low when I do have a episode. I cannot sit at a 70 degree angle like in a recliner. I have to sit straight up or lie down. I cant get on ladders. Or high places. I dont do stairs without someone behind me. Its not the syncope that kills you it will be the fall, the head injury, the car accident. BUT I work fulltime in a Critical Care unit as a RN . I am as active as I always have been. I drive but I am careful local only. My kids drive out of town and on highways.
I see my cardiologist frequently and I am lucky he handles all my fall injuries also.

It's important your family knows you have this and what to do and how to help you come out of it . Wear a medical alert bracelet in case you pass out in public.

Good luck