Campaigns
Take Fainting to Heart
A public awareness campaign aims to educate Americans about the important link between fainting and heart health
Do you take fainting to heart? The majority of Americans don’t. Although fainting affects an estimated one million people in the United States each year, a national survey released in 2011 by the patient advocacy group STARS (Syncope Trust And Reflex anoxic Seizures), shows that one in two Americans are unaware that fainting could be a warning sign for a serious, potentially life-threatening heart condition. Most Americans rank dehydration, exhaustion and stress as the leading causes of fainting. But, in many cases, fainting is the only sign of an abnormal heart rhythm which is a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest – a devastating condition that kills more than 250,000 people in the US alone each year.
To kick start the campaign, Trudie Lobban - Founder & CEO of STARS-US, toured New York in the autumn/winter of 2011, talking on the Daily Buzz, Conn Jackson show, MyFamilyMyLife and numerous other stations urging everyone to take fainting to heart.
In an effort to educate people about fainting and its link to heart health, STARS launched the Take Fainting to Heart campaign. This educational initiative encourages people to take fainting seriously and urges those who have fainted to talk with a physician to determine if it signifies a more serious health issue.
Read Trudie's informative interview on why getting to the heart of fainting is important here.
If you or a loved one has fainted recently, Take Fainting to Heart and talk to your doctor today
If you experience a fainting episode, download the STARS Fainting Checklist and discuss with your family physician who may refer you to an electrophysiologist (heart rhythm expert) for further tests.
Patient voices
Kristin's story
For Kristin Breese, it took riding in an ambulance and going into cardiac arrest to make her take fainting to heart.
Martha's story
When her fainting spells began at age 30, Martha Bryce accepted them as a normal part of her life.
Luca & Nico's story
When Morgan Daversa realized her 11-month old son, Luca, fainted, she brought him to the pediatrician and received a simple diagnosis: breath holding.
Debbie's story
When cardiac nurse Debbie Lee experienced her first fainting episode at age 56, she intuitively contributed the unexplained fainting to a heart condition.
Forrest's story
Through his work as a paramedic, Forrest Finch faces emergency situations on a daily basis.
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