Dizziness can make you feel unsteady, as if the room is spinning, or nauseated. When it’s brought on by exercise, you may wonder if you can continue exercising on a long-term basis. By determining the cause of your dizziness, you can find treatments that can help you avoid future dizzy spells during an exercise session. Consult with your doctor regarding your concerns about your dizziness.
Causes
A drop in blood pressure can cause dizziness during exercise. Because your heart is beating more quickly, sudden changes from sitting to standing, or vice versa, can cause you to feel lightheaded.
Exercising at an intense pace also can make you feel dizzy. Your heart may not be pumping fast enough to keep up with the demands you are placing on your body. Or your blood sugar may drop too quickly. Exercise also may bring out a preexisting condition, such as an inner-ear disorder that causes vertigo. If you feel off-balance or unsteady when you exercise, or as if the room is spinning, vertigo may be to blame. Also, anxiety or stress during your exercise session can contribute to dizziness.
Diagnosis
If you consistently experience dizziness while you exercise, get a medical evaluation. Your physician will ask you about your symptoms and may recommend tests of your eye movement or to determine your overall blood pressure level. Your doctor may also evaluate your medications to ensure one is not contributing to your dizziness.
Prevention
Taking a few precautions before exercising can help to prevent dizziness during your exercise session. These include eating a small snack, like a piece of fruit and crackers, fig bars, yogurt or a small bagel with jam about an hour before exercising to prevent blood sugar drops. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your exercise session. If you are sweating profusely, an electrolyte-containing sports drink may help you to maintain fluid balance. While your exercise session should be challenging, avoid pushing yourself too far. You should be able to talk when you exercise. If you cannot, decrease the intensity until you can.
Treatment
When you experience dizziness during an exercise session, walk around slowly for several minutes to bring your heart rate down, if possible. Avoid putting your head lower than your heart, which can affect your blood pressure and cause you to feel faint. Sip some water or a sports drink to rehydrate. If your dizziness becomes progressively worse, get medical attention. In some instances, dizziness can indicate a more serious problem, such as a seizure or stroke.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Dizziness
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II"; Sid Kirchenheimer; 1995
- Go Ask Alice; Dizzy After Exercise; Columbia University; Jan. 13, 2006
- MedlinePlus: Dizziness
- "The New York Times": Dizziness
