Which term describes a sudden loss of consciousness due to transient cerebral hypoperfusion?

• A. Angina
• B. Syncope
• C. Dyspnea
• D. PVCs

Answer: (B)

Syncope is a brief loss of consciousness caused by a transient drop in cerebral blood flow. When brain perfusion falls briefly, you lose consciousness, then rapidly regain it once blood flow returns. This can occur from various mechanisms such as vasovagal episodes, orthostatic changes, or cardiac arrhythmias, but the key idea is the temporary brain hypoperfusion leading to fainting. The other terms describe different problems: angina is chest pain from myocardial ischemia, dyspnea is shortness of breath, and premature ventricular contractions are extra heartbeats that may cause palpitations but do not by themselves describe a transient loss of consciousness from brain blood flow.