VVS

Medical abbreviation · Cardiology

VVS
Stands forVasovagal syncope
CategoriesMedical

VVS stands for Vasovagal syncope, a cardiology abbreviation.

The most common type of fainting, caused by a reflex that slows the heart and dilates blood vessels, often triggered by pain, fear, the sight of blood, prolonged standing or heat. Warning signs such as nausea, sweating, warmth and tunnel vision usually precede a brief loss of consciousness.

Example: Fainted at a blood draw after feeling hot and nauseated, recovered within a minute: classic VVS.

Usage notes

Also called neurocardiogenic or reflex syncope. Recovery is quick and complete once the person lies flat, which helps distinguish it from seizures and cardiac syncope. Counterpressure maneuvers such as leg crossing, hand gripping and tensing the arms can abort an episode. A tilt-table test is occasionally used when the diagnosis is uncertain.

More cardiology abbreviations

  • AAA – Abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • ABI – Ankle-brachial index
  • ABPM – Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
  • ACC – American College of Cardiology
  • ACHD – Adult congenital heart disease
  • ACS – Acute coronary syndrome
  • ADHF – Acute decompensated heart failure
  • AED – Automated external defibrillator
  • AF – Atrial fibrillation
  • AFib – Atrial fibrillation
  • AFL – Atrial flutter
  • AHA – American Heart Association

See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.