It's nearly a law that most big men faint or complain about getting blood more than old grandmothers do. Is there some relation that big body mass or dense muscles effect how patients perceive shots? I personally get very lightheaded and dizzy when getting blood. Not because I'm scared or anxious, I'm almost certain it's a natural effect due to something I can't explain.
2006-10-18 16:11:21 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
All the answers here are intersting thoughts. But the rael reason is its aVasovagal response. It can happen with giving blood, suddenly being scared, prolonged standing and many other things. There are 3 types of vasovagal responses. 1. Cardio-inhibitory 2. Vasodepresssor and 3. Mixed type. with blood donation its usually the second type. Your blood vesells dilate and there is a drop in blood pressure, which if significan enough leads to syncope or passing out.
The test for this is called a Tilt Table Test.
there is no drop in blood sugar level etc as some before me have suggested. your blood sugar would have to drop to bellow 40 mg/dl for that to happen.
Having a few glasses of water an hour before would help.
and lastly there is no connection between body habitus and syncope/fainting
hope this is of help
2006-10-19 03:03:08 · answer #1 · answered by Bonanza 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has nothing to do with body mass or density of muscles. Most men are absolutely petrified by needles and the sight of blood. Even though you have "progammed" yourself to think that you aren't afraid, the actual sight of blood is causing you to think about a lot of things.
-Where is the blood coming from
-The quantity of blood
Then there are other subconscious thoughts going on in your mind that you may be totally unaware of. Blood almost always signifies a "crisis" such as an accident or death. These thoughts may be overwhelming you.
Another physical reason could be that blood is being given or take too quickly and your blood sugar level drops quickly, causing you to get dizzy. Try to have some orange juice or small piece of candy befor the procedure. If you are diabetic, check with your doctor before doing this please.
2006-10-18 16:17:40 · answer #2 · answered by S M 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This the Vasovagal syncope or Vagus response which is a normal reflex . It can be caused by any painful or unpleasant stimuli. It is particularly common when giving blood as your body may be stressed by the blood loss. Everyone is different, but more pain that experienced the greater the chances or responding. Some people will often pass out - I've known other that gave for years and then one day passed out, & have not pass out since.
2006-10-18 21:36:48 · answer #3 · answered by mendipmoon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stress can manifest itself in such a way that it is "Real" to some of us.
Looking back at our ancestors we find that some of them would charge a bull elephant even when sober while others would stand back and let him LOL. In the long run the lookers on would survive but the gregarious would help them survive.
Genetically we are ALL different in some measure.
That's why we have short leaders and tall leaders. And why we have little guys giving blood with no problem and big guys giving blood and fainting LOL ;-)
2006-10-18 16:47:13 · answer #4 · answered by TommyTrouble 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When you give blood they ussualy tak what i think is a generous amount and losing so much at once is what causes the lighthead feeling
2006-10-18 16:19:21 · answer #5 · answered by Patrix 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i am not particularly big and it makes me have butterflies as well
so dont generalise
2006-10-18 16:19:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
difference between physically strong and mentally strong
2006-10-18 16:13:22 · answer #7 · answered by blackratsnake 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
lol good point
2006-10-18 16:18:34 · answer #8 · answered by amberharris20022000 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋