With the arrival of summer and the accompanying high temperatures, fainting spells and heat strokes are becoming increasingly common occurrences. When the first signs of dizziness appear, the almost automatic reaction for many people is to grab something sugary. Yet the well-known cardiologist Aurelio Rojas has debunked this myth on his social networks with a blunt warning: “The famous candy or Coca-Cola is no help at all.” When we experience a drop in blood pressure caused by heat, the body must react quickly to restore blood flow to the brain. To achieve this, the expert suggests three very simple physical maneuvers that can save lives and that anyone can perform in a matter of seconds.
1. The Hand Maneuver
If you begin to feel yourself faint while you are on your feet, forget about reaching for sugar. Dr. Rojas explains that the fastest solution lies in your own arms: “Grab one hand with the other and pull very very very hard, as hard as you can, for twenty seconds.” This trick, although it might seem extremely simple, is highly effective because it makes the muscles work hard, helping to push blood back toward the heart and brain, thereby stopping the fainting almost instantly.
2. Getting into a Squat
If the first option doesn’t persuade you or doesn’t work, the cardiologist offers an equally easy and handy alternative that you can perform even on the street: bend your knees and squat. You simply have to maintain that posture and “wait for the symptoms to disappear.” By tightening the legs, you compress the abdomen and the lower muscles, which drives the blood upward rapidly.
3. Lying on Your Back with Legs Raised
If you notice that the dizziness is very strong and the symptoms do not go away with the previous tricks, you must move to the definitive action. The doctor insists that the last option is “the most effective” and you probably recognize it: “Lie flat on your back. And if possible with your legs elevated, to help blood return to the head, even better until the symptoms subside.” This is one of the best-known and most famous methods, as it provides a straightforward way to restore blood flow to the brain. However, it’s important to be familiar with the other two tips in case this final option isn’t feasible in a given situation.
4. Choose the Safer Option
Although these three tricks are perfect for understanding how to act if fainting is nearly unavoidable, the doctor reiterates that the ideal is not to reach that point. For a safe summer, the standout advice remains the same as ever: avoid going out during the hottest hours, avoid standing for long periods, and, above all, keep yourself well hydrated.
