Why am I getting dizzy?

[Agteros]

Over the last few months I've (and the biokineticist) noticed that I get dizzy getting upright after doing squats (especially) or during boot camp type exercises at the start of the runs between the squats / sit ups / push ups.

 

It also happens from time to time between running intervals, and even some times during cycling, stopping at a red traffic light after a hard interval.

 

I decided to go to the GP, and my blood pressure was found to be high. Sent to the cardiologist, found my blood pressure to be high (150/90 at that time).

 

The cardiologist's findings were:

• no hypertrophy,
  
• no isceaemic changes,
  
• non-dilated left ventriclae + normal systolic function,
  
• diastolic function, septum, wall motion, valves, right ventricular size and function are all normal.
  
• Troponin levels normal,
  
• Ascending aorta normal,
  
• Left atrium size normal,
  
• cardiac enzymes normal
  

 

In summary: No evidence of 'target organ' damage, heart is structurally normal with no evidence of underlying ischemic heart disease

 

I have a history of highish (just below levels for medication) blood pressure. The GP sent me packing to a cardiologist who did a bunch of test (stress ECG, heart sonar, blood tests) and found that my blood pressure is high but everything else is normal.

Put me on medication (dapamax), which sucked the life out of me. I stopped for two days, felt better and tried again. Life sucked out of me again. Phoned the cardiologist, receptionist said he'll send me a new prescription.

 

Decided that since I cannot "trou met die handskoen", nor "koop eiendom met die handskoen" neither can he treat me in that manner.

 

Went back to the GP who agreed I can go off the medicines first, and come back later (I was under a lot of stress leading up to this point)

 

I've started training again towards the middle of December - life got in the way of that in 2013....

 

Anyway, went back to the GP today, who confirmed that all the BP measurements I took during end Nov and Dec indicating my BP improved to the point of being normal (113/80 ish, with a pulse of <50 when doing the test) is correct.

 

So now I am officially not on BP medication, however I still get the occasional dizzy spell during exercise....

 

Anybody willing to venture a guess / idea / suggestion, as I am out of ideas....?

[Hacc]

Have you tested your iron levels at all? Maybe go for a full body check?

 

I have an iron deficiency and I feel terrible/ dizzy when it gets too low. I drink an iron supplement before and sometimes during training as well.

[Guest Latent Blue]

They check your blood pressure after lying down for 30min and then right after standing up?

Did they test your glucose?

[Agteros]

Have you tested your iron levels at all? Maybe go for a full body check?

 

I have an iron deficiency and I feel terrible/ dizzy when it gets too low. I drink an iron supplement before and sometimes during training as well.

I've had low iron level (extremely so) a few years ago, however athletic ability is currently not compromised at all, only when I suddenly stop that I get dizzy. Last blood tests also confirm iron levels to be fine.

 

Note: Iron supplementation is a long term thing, like 6 weeks for it to have effect.

[Agteros]

They check your blood pressure after lying down for 30min and then right after standing up?

Did they test your glucose?

fasting glucose is fine, fasting total cholesterol is fine (total of < 4)

 

I'll do the lie down and stand up + test BP thing tonight myself. I am going for a 5km run, will do it immediately after that. Thanks

[Guest Latent Blue]

on can assume it is orthostatic hypotension, if EVERYTHING else is normal and other common causes excluded.

A common cause is diabetes (autonomic neuropathy)

[Guest Latent Blue]

fasting glucose is fine, fasting total cholesterol is fine (total of < 4)

 

I'll do the lie down and stand up + test BP thing tonight myself. I am going for a 5km run, will do it immediately after that. Thanks

I cant believe the cardiologist didnt do it (or the GP for that matter)... let me know what you find

[jkoorts]

Went dizzy for a week when switching over to LCHF (as predicted by the diet). Went away after a week. Dizzyness was probably my body getting used to the lower sugar levels.

 

Like the other poster said - check the sugar levels.

 

Also check out LCHF diet

[Guest Latent Blue]

 

Also check out LCHF diet

thatll make him more dizzy

[Agteros]

Kalahari, some BP stats:

 

pre 30 mins: 129/81 @ 84 (17:28) --> this was 5 minutes post run

1/2 way into 30 mins: 111/72 @ 60 (17:47)

post 30, pre standing: 111/72 @ 58 (17:59)

post 30 standing: 104/83 @ 72 (17:59) --> did feel some slight dizziness, no feelings of passing out, or spinning rooms etc

 

So not sure if it is what you describe, although I have to admit what I've read sounds very familiar!

[Mojoman]

I went vegetarian a year ago and now suffer from occasional head rushes and dizzy spells after getting up suddenly. I assumed that to be a low iron issue? Thankfully I only seem to suffer after lounging around watching TV and then getting up, never felt funny on rides, running or when lifting weights. Never had this problem before.

[V12man]

on can assume it is orthostatic hypotension, if EVERYTHING else is normal and other common causes excluded.

A common cause is diabetes (autonomic neuropathy)

 

You beat me to it

 

Agteros - some people are not good at controlling their blood pressure - specificaly when they stop exercise - these are mostly the guys who collapse immediately they cross the finish line post longish runs - this has been extensively studied by the UCT Sport science dept for many years - unfortunately I am not up to speed on where the research is currently - but I suggest a call to them in Cape Town, possibly they can point you in the right direction.

 

I run (ok - it's more a trot...) a couple of times a week with a girl who has this issue - she has been EXTENSIVELY tested, and nothing found except lowish normal bp.... the only thing that helps her is to slow down gradually over a couple of minutes right down to a walk before stopping - it's that or lie down just about immediately she stops running (or fall down)

[BarHugger]

Might not be the case, but you might consider the possibility of hypvolemia (decreased blood volume) due to some undetected internal bleeding or sodium loss. Just a thought.

[Agteros]

Might not be the case, but you might consider the possibility of hypvolemia (decreased blood volume) due to some undetected internal bleeding or sodium loss. Just a thought.

Sounds a bit esoteric. From what can this be (sodium loss)? I doubt there is sodium/electrolyte loss as I did 2 ride of more than 130km km the past weekend. Never had a consistent thirst that could not be satiated by drinking water

 

Internal blood loss is not happening

[Guest Latent Blue]

Kalahari, some BP stats:

 

pre 30 mins: 129/81 @ 84 (17:28) --> this was 5 minutes post run

1/2 way into 30 mins: 111/72 @ 60 (17:47)

post 30, pre standing: 111/72 @ 58 (17:59)

post 30 standing: 104/83 @ 72 (17:59) --> did feel some slight dizziness, no feelings of passing out, or spinning rooms etc

 

So not sure if it is what you describe, although I have to admit what I've read sounds very familiar!

 

Your BP's look healthy. Though there is some dropping... the sensation might be exaggerated by your exercise

 

And its not all hard and fast. Everyone has their "own" bloodpressure and reactions to its changes (the charts and books only gives indications of what could be normal)

[Agteros]

You beat me to it

 

Agteros - some people are not good at controlling their blood pressure - specificaly when they stop exercise - these are mostly the guys who collapse immediately they cross the finish line post longish runs - this has been extensively studied by the UCT Sport science dept for many years - unfortunately I am not up to speed on where the research is currently - but I suggest a call to them in Cape Town, possibly they can point you in the right direction.

 

I run (ok - it's more a trot...) a couple of times a week with a girl who has this issue - she has been EXTENSIVELY tested, and nothing found except lowish normal bp.... the only thing that helps her is to slow down gradually over a couple of minutes right down to a walk before stopping - it's that or lie down just about immediately she stops running (or fall down)

Yup it falls right into how mine seems to respond. Never been a fan of getting up quickly, etc (Guess the body / mind subconciously knows what is good for it!). Will keep an eye on it and just work on the fitness again. Things should (hopefully) get better, otherwise I will ascribe it to lack of 'youngster-ness', and not to lack of fitness