AEMCA Practice Exam

Which condition is often related to vasovagal syncope?

1. High blood pressure

2. Low blood pressure

3. Increased heart rate

4. Dehydration

The correct answer is: Low blood pressure

Vasovagal syncope is often associated with a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to fainting. This condition occurs when the body's nervous system overreacts to certain triggers, such as stress, pain, or standing for long periods. During a vasovagal response, the heart rate slows down, and blood vessels dilate, resulting in decreased blood flow to the brain and, consequently, low blood pressure. This lack of adequate blood supply can cause a transient loss of consciousness. The other conditions, while they may be related to syncope in a broader context, do not directly explain the mechanism of vasovagal syncope like low blood pressure does. For example, high blood pressure may not be directly linked to vasovagal responses, while increased heart rate usually occurs in different types of syncope. Dehydration can lead to low blood pressure but is not a condition that is specifically characterized by the vasovagal reflex itself.