today#Why do some people feel uncomfortable when they wear turtlenecks?It became a trending topic on Weibo, attracting attention and heated discussions among netizens. Why does this happen? Many people think that it may be because "the clothes are on backwards", "the neck is short", or "too fat"... But if you feel uncomfortable when you wear high-collar clothes or scarves, feel dizzy, nauseous, and can't breathe, as if your throat is being strangled, then you may be suffering from it."Carotid Sinus Syndrome", also called "collar syndrome".
Many netizens said that wearing a turtleneck sweater or a scarf would make them "very uncomfortable" and "affect the whole person". Some netizens even felt "disgusted", "powerless" and "like they were being 'assassinated'".
What is "collar syndrome"?
"Carotid sinus syndrome", also known as "collar syndrome", is a group of symptoms caused by carotid sinus reflex hypersensitivity, causing nausea, tinnitus, and dizziness.
The carotid sinus is located at the end of the common carotid artery and the beginning of the internal carotid artery. It is slightly bulging and has a thick outer membrane. There are abundant free nerve endings in it, called baroreceptors. It can sense changes in blood pressure and blood oxygen, regulate the activities of the heart and blood vessels through nerve reflexes, and maintain the stability of blood circulation.
When blood pressure rises, the carotid sinus expands, or external pressure is exerted, and the baroreceptors are stimulated, which can reflexively cause the heartbeat to slow down and peripheral blood vessels to dilate, thereby lowering blood pressure. Under normal circumstances, general external stimulation does not affect the carotid sinus.It only works if your blood pressure is too high or too low.
However, the carotid sinus of some people reacts abnormally strongly. When the neck is pressed or pressed, the nerve reflex is easily triggered, causing the heart rate to slow down and blood pressure to drop, leading to cerebral ischemia, dizziness, fainting and other symptoms. This is one of the main manifestations of carotid sinus syndrome.
The onset of carotid sinus syndrome is usually short-lived, and patients often feel dizziness, nausea, paleness, cold sweats, and mental fatigue, which usually subside within a few seconds after the compression is stopped. If the compression is too strong or for too long, the blood pressure and heart rate drop suddenly, which may cause insufficient blood supply to the brain, which may cause the patient to suffer symptoms such as syncope and loss of consciousness, or may cause cardiac arrest, which is life-threatening.
These 4 types of people are prone to "collar syndrome"
Carotid sinus syndrome is not common among ordinary people and generally occurs in these four groups of people:
① There are high-risk factors for vascular sclerosis, such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, etc., which are more common in men over 50 years old;
② Abnormalities in the neck structure, such as carotid arteriosclerosis or embolism, carotid body tumors, inflammation, tumors or injuries near the carotid sinus, can cause the carotid sinus to become overly sensitive;
③Have a history of neck surgery and/or radiotherapy, which may damage or change the shape of the carotid sinus;
④ Among young women, some have autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which causes them to react too strongly to stimulation of the carotid sinus.
Patients with "collar syndrome" should not do these 5 behaviors
The occurrence of carotid sinus syndrome is related to external stimulation of the carotid sinus. Turtlenecks or wearing scarves are just one of the causes. In daily life, in addition to trying to avoid wearing turtlenecks or tight scarves, patients should also pay attention to avoid the following 5 high-risk behaviors:
① Wearing a tie or neck jewelry that is too tight: If you wear a tie or neck jewelry, be careful not to be too tight or too heavy, and avoid wearing it for a long time, otherwise it may irritate the carotid sinus, causing discomfort or danger.
② Repeatedly rubbing the carotid sinus during haircuts and shaving: Patting, massaging, kissing the neck, etc. These seemingly ordinary actions may trigger carotid sinus syndrome.
③Suddenly turning head or looking up violently: These actions may stretch or twist the carotid sinus, causing obstruction of blood flow or dysreflexia. If you need to turn your head or look up, it is recommended to do so slowly and gently and avoid excessive or violent movements;
④Rising and other rapid changes in body position: These actions may cause sharp changes in blood pressure, irritate the carotid sinus, and cause dizziness or syncope. If you need to stand up or change position, it is recommended to do it slowly and steadily, without sudden or rapid movements;
⑤Excited emotions: Emotional excitement may cause fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate, stimulate the carotid sinus, and cause adverse reactions. Patients are advised to try to stay calm and peaceful in daily life and not to be too excited or nervous.
What should I do if “collar syndrome” attacks?
What should you do if you unfortunately develop carotid sinus syndrome? The following methods can help yourself or others in time:
①When you feel dizzy, nauseated, sweating or other discomfort,Quickly loosen your collar, lie on your back and raise your legs to allow blood to return to your heart, this can allow the brain to get more blood, relieve cerebral ischemia, and prevent coma or brain damage.
② If the patient faints, check the patient's heartbeat and breathing immediately. If the heartbeat and breathing are found to have stopped, call 120 immediately and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately, that is, press the chest with your hands and breathe mouth-to-mouth until the ambulance arrives. This preserves the patient's vital signs and greatly reduces the risk of death or permanent disability.
③ If possible, send the patient to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible to determine the cause and severity of carotid sinus syndrome and take corresponding treatment measures. This can prevent the recurrence of carotid sinus syndrome, reduce complications, and improve the patient's quality of life.
Although carotid sinus syndrome is uncommon, it may strike without warning, causing you to feel dizzy, comatose, or even life-threatening. Everyone must be more aware and vigilant about it and take timely measures.
Planning and production
Author丨Meng Yao, Doctor of Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University
Review丨Tang Qin, Chief Researcher of the Science Popularization Department of the Chinese Medical Association
Planning丨Zhong Yanping
Editor丨Zhong Yanping