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Hello,

Yesterday I experienced a rather scary episode.  While laughing hard I found myself almost passing out.  It scared the hell out of me.  My hypochondriac nature immediately started researching this and I found a condition that seems spot on.  Neurocardiogenic Syncope.  What I am unable to ascertain is whether this is something I should run to the ER to have checked out or whether this is something I can chalk up to an isolated incident.  I am 41 years old, slightly overweight.  On blood pressure medicine (ACE and Calcium Channel Blocker) and have been diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse.  That aside, I think I am an otherwise healthy guy. So I have been told anyways.  Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Captain
Best Answer
144586 tn?1284666164
You have a simple problem and it isn't too serious. The feinting is due to stimulation of the vagus nerve which runs in close proximity to the throat and may be stimulated by coughing or laughing. Different people have different genetic sensitivites. When the vagus nerve is stimulated this drops the heart rate from ten to twenty beats per minute. Since your medications restrict your heart-rate, this caused diminished blood flow and you passed out.
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1370830 tn?1280176503
HELLO, WELLTHE GOOD THING IS THAT IT HASN'T BEEN GOING ON FOR LONG. THIS IS A PUZZLER, THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS IT COULD BE. FOR ONE YOU MIGHT HAVE LAUGHED FOR SO LONG THAT YOU CUT OFF THE OXYGEN FOR LONGER THAN NORM SO YOU GOT LIGHT HEADED. THAT ACTUALLY SOUNDS LIKE IT IS THE LIKELY CAUSE. YOU MIGHT HAVE NOT EATEN AND YOUR BLOOD SUGARS WERE DOWN, NOT TO SAY IT WAS FUNNY BUT, I HAVE HEARD OF GOATS THAT FAINT WHEN THEY GET STARTLED AND THAT IS FUNNY! I REALLY DONT THINK IT IS SOMETHING TO WORRY ABOUT FOR NOW . IF IT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN  YOU MIGHT WANT TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. LET US KNOW HOW YOU ARE DOING OK? BEST WISHES
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