LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Imagine awakening from being unexpectedly knocked out cold without ever being in a fight. That’s what it’s like for people who experience severe symptoms of syncope (“sin ko pea”).
Syncope is the brief loss of consciousness and posture caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain usually caused by a sudden decrease in blood pressure, a low heart rate or changes in blood flow. Other symptoms include light-headedness, falling for no reason, dizziness, drowsiness, grogginess and/or feeling unsteady or weak when standing
Syncope can be triggered by stress, pain, pooling of blood in the legs due to sudden changes in body position, overheating, dehydration, heavy sweating, exhaustion, violent coughing fits or simply a side effect of some medications. However, some syncope episodes can be the result of a heart, neurologic, psychiatric, metabolic or lung disorder.
While one in six people will experience an episode of syncope in their lifetime, many may not require any medical treatment. Others who experience injury, recurrent episodes or have an occupation that requires a determination of the cause now have a specialized clinic, the only one in Arkansas, to provide a thorough evaluation and diagnosis of their symptoms.
“We’re pleased to offer this new one-of-a-kind clinic that uses a unique, standardized approach to care for syncope patients,”said Dr. Stephen Greer, a cardiologist with Arkansas Cardiology and the Baptist Health Heart Institute. “Rather than sending the patient to multiple specialists at different locations, most evaluations will be performed at Arkansas Cardiology Clinic. As a result, patients benefit from a quicker and more accurate diagnosis.”
Located at 9501 Baptist Health Drive, Suite 600, in Little Rock, the Baptist Health Heart Institute Syncope Clinic is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most patients will be seen within 48 hours. To make an appointment, call 501-227-7596.
Baptist Health is the state’s most comprehensive healthcare system. With more than 175 points of access, including eight hospitals, Baptist Health is committed to delivering “All Our Best” in healthcare to Arkansans. For more information about the Baptist Health Heart Institute Syncope Clinic, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST.