Which type of syncope is commonly triggered by emotional stress?

Vasovagal syncope is commonly triggered by emotional stress due to the body's autonomic response to various stimuli, including fear, anxiety, or pain. When an individual experiences such emotional stress, the vagus nerve is stimulated, leading to a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. This reduction in blood flow to the brain can cause the individual to faint.

This type of syncope typically occurs in response to prolonged standing, extreme emotional distress, or other factors that affect the autonomic nervous system. As a result, vasovagal syncope is one of the most frequent types of syncope and is usually benign, although it can lead to falls or injury if the individual collapses suddenly.

In contrast, cardiac syncope is usually related to serious heart conditions, orthostatic syncope is caused by a rapid drop in blood pressure upon standing, and neurologic syncope can stem from seizures or other neurological events. While these other types of syncope have their own triggers, such as physical exertion or postural changes, they do not predominantly arise from emotional stress as vasovagal syncope does.