Fainting ‘Could Be Hereditary' Plus What To If You Feel Faint (PICTURES)

A recent study has suggested that fainting could be in our genetic make-up, after a link was found between fainting episodes and identical twins.

The research, led by the University of Melbourne, published in Neurology, found that identical twins were twice as likely to suffer from fainting than non-identical twins.

Is fainting hereditary?

According to the Telegraph, lead study author, Dr Samuel Berkovic said that fainting might not be triggered just by environmental factors, such as dehydration, low blood pressure or heat exhaustion, but by genetic components too.

Scroll down to find out what to do if you feel faint (PICTURES)

Researchers studied 51 sets of identical and non-identical twins, with at least one of whom had a history of fainting.

Fainting is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness that usually results in a fall. Health experts often use the term ‘syncope’ when referring to fainting because it distinguishes fainting from other causes of temporary unconsciousness, such as seizures (fits) or concussion.

The study found that not only were identical twins both predisposed to fainting, they were also more prone to collapsing from the sight of blood or following a shock, compared to non-identical twins.

According to NHS Choices, fainting is very common. Around one in 100 children faint as a result of a fear or pain at least once in their lifetime and by 40 years of age, 95 out of 100 people would have fainted at least once.

In 2008 to 2009, nearly 120,000 people in England were admitted to hospital for fainting. Almost half of these were 75 years of age or over, showing that fainting becomes more common with age.

Just before losing consciousness, you may experience the following symptoms:

Yawning
A sudden, clammy sweat
Nausea (feeling sick)
Fast, deep breathing
Confusion
Feeling lightheaded
Blurred vision or spots in front of your eyes
Ringing in your ears

If you experience any of these symptoms, take a look at the following tips on what to do if you feel faint.

Visit NHS Choices for a list of other causes that could trigger regular fainting.

What To Do If You Feel Faint

What To Do If You Feel Faint(01 of07)

(credit:Alamy)

Push Your Head Up (02 of07)

Gently, but firmly, push your head down while you try to push your head upwards. This will encourage the blood to flow to your brain, reducing the symptoms and helping you to recover more quickly. (credit:Alamy)

Lie Down(03 of07)

If you feel faint or lightheaded, lie down and prop your feet about 1 foot above your heart. The blood will rush from your feet to your head, keeping oxygen flowing to your brain. Lying down can also help prevent head injuries from falling down when you faint. (credit:Alamy)

Drink!(04 of07)

If you become severely dehydrated (where the normal water content of your body is reduced), the amount of fluid in your blood will reduce along with your blood pressure. This will make it much harder for your nervous system to stabilise your blood pressure, increasing your chances of fainting.This happens because you sweat and the body looses fluids and essential salts, like potassium and magnesium.Drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day will prevent fainting. (credit:Alamy)

Splash Water On Your Face(05 of07)

A rapid drop in body temperature often causes fainting symptoms. A quick splash of water to the face increases blood flow and will cool your skin down and begin to wipe out faint feelings. (credit:Alamy)

Pinch Your Face(06 of07)

Use physical counter pressure manoeuvres, which are movements that are designed to raise your blood pressure and prevent you losing consciousness.They include:•crossing your legs•clenching the muscles in your lower body•squeezing your hands into a fist•tensing your arm muscles (credit:Alamy)

Have A Salty Snack(07 of07)

Low blood pressure is one of the common causes of fainting. This again occurs when you have not eaten for a long period of time. Salt increases blood pressure, so eating a salty snack, could help revive you. But remember - everything in moderation! (credit:Alamy)

If fainting episodes are frequent, consult your GP, as it could be a sign of an underlying health problem, such as undiagnosed diabetes, low blood pressure or a neurological condition (such as Parkinson's).

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