vasovagal

adjective

va·​so·​va·​gal ˌvā-zō-ˈvā-gəl 

: relating to, involving, or caused by action of the vagus nerve on blood vessel dilation and heart rate

vasovagal syncope

Examples of vasovagal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 34-year-old most recently played for Brazilian side Sao Paulo in November, when he was admitted to hospital in November and diagnosed with vasovagal syncope. — Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2026

When people have a vasovagal reaction during blood donation, their heart rate increases while their blood pressure drops. — Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2023

Increasing intravascular volume by hydrating can help prevent a vasovagal syncope event that can lead to fainting. — Korin Miller, Health.com, 15 Nov. 2021

Applied tension combats the vasovagal response by flexing large muscle groups to raise the blood pressure and pulse. — Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2021

Remember that an occasional episode of vasovagal syncope is likely not of concern, as long as you haven’t been injured in the process. — Anne R. Crecelius, The Conversation, 20 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

vaso- + vagal

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vasovagal

• gaggle
• haggle
• straggle
• vagal

Medical Definition

vasovagal

adjective

va·​so·​va·​gal ˌvā-zō-ˈvā-gəl 

: of, relating to, or involving both vascular and vagal factors

a vasovagal reaction