Water Ingestion as Prophylaxis Against Syncope

Abstract

Background-Water ingestion raises blood pressure substantially in patients with perturbed autonomic control and more modestly in older subjects. It is unclear whether prophylactic water drinking improves orthostatic tolerance in normal healthy adults. Methods and Results-Twenty-two healthy subjects, 18 to 42 years of age, with no history of syncope underwent head-up tilt-

Preventive effect of pre-dive hydration on bubble formation in divers

“…It has been reported that water ingestion would enhance orthostatic tolerance in normal healthy adults by causing an increase in peripheral vascular resistance 31. Moreover, some studies have shown evidence for increased muscle sympathetic activity after drinking a volume of water of 480 ml, leading to peripheral vasoconstriction 32.…”

The effects of a novel “fluid loading” strategy on cardiovascular and haematological responses to orthostatic stress

“…Several previous studies have examined the eVect of hydration status on susceptibility to syncope in healthy volunteers (Lu et al 2003;Schroeder et al 2002) and patients with recurrent vasovagal syncope (Claydon et al 2006). The principal Wndings of these studies were that water ingestion prior to head-up tilt testing resulted in an increase in blood pressure and vascular resistance which was associated with an improved orthostatic tolerance.…”

“…However, physical counter-manoeuvres may be impractical for patients with motor disabilities or the elderly and may be impossible to perform if the syncopal attack occurs rapidly. Water ingestion has consistently shown to limit the occurrence of syncope (Claydon et al 2006;Lu et al 2003;Schroeder et al 2002) and thus patients with recurring syncope should be encouraged to maintain a good hydration status. Furthermore, data from the present study indicates that hyperhydration through Cr and Gly supplementation may oVer patients additional protection from syncopal episodes.…”

“…However, two previous studies have established that ingestion of water prior to orthostatic stress reduced the incidences of syncope in healthy volunteers (Lu et al 2003;Schroeder et al 2002). A recent study by Claydon et al (2006) demonstrated the beneWcial eVects of water on orthostatic tolerance are also observed in patients with recurring vasovagal syncope.…”

Dose-Response Relationship between the Risk of Vasovagal Syncope and Body Mass Index or Systolic Blood Pressure in Young Adults Undergoing Blood Tests

“…Lower BMI and SBP were positively associated with the occurrence of VVS. Advice on preventive methods such as the counter-pressure maneuver [4] and water ingestion [5] might be beneficial for high-risk persons, especially those who are “underweight” or have “hypotension”.…”