Fainting from genes and environment
Identical twins were nearly twice as likely to both faint compared to non-identical twins, according to the study. There has been debate over whether fainting is caused by genetics or environment, but the research suggests both play a role. Image: billyfoto/iStockphoto Fainting has complex causes involving both genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, a new study of twins led by the University of Melbourne and Austin Health has shown. The research found that identical twins were nearly twice as likely to both faint compared to non-identical twins. Study author Professor Sam Berkovic from the University of Melbourne based at Austin Health, said the question of whether fainting was caused by genetic factors, environmental factors or a mixture of both had been the subject of much debate. “This twins study has revealed that the complex causes of fainting are both genetic and environmental,” he said.Fainting, also called vasovagal syncope, is a brief loss...