A wide range of conditions can cause you to become dizzy when you exercise. You may be dehydrated or experiencing low blood sugar. Coronary heart disease is one of the most common ailments among Americans that can lead to dizziness when working out. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, 16 million adults in the United States have coronary heart disease. While it's important to exercise when you have heart disease, you should stop immediately if you feel dizzy.
Risks
Plaque, which is made up of calcium and cholesterol deposits, can build up in the arteries and impede the flow of blood and oxygen through your heart, resulting in coronary heart disease. The risk factors that eventually lead to heart disease also may cause dizziness when you exercise. Health risks for impaired blood flow include diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol. Obesity is a significant risk factor that can cause you to get dizzy because unhealthy blood sugar levels and increased cholesterol, along with high blood pressure, usually accompany it.
Considerations
While you should stop exercising when you feel the first signs of dizziness, a heart attack can occur suddenly following the bout of dizziness, in which case you need immediate assistance. At the same time, you shouldn't avoid exercising because of past heart problems, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Statistics are on your side, as only one heart attack for every 294,000 hours of exercise is reported among people who've had a coronary episode in the past.
Precautions
If you have any of the risk factors, have had a heart attack in the past or frequently experience dizziness while working out, it may behoove you to work out with a partner. Carry a cell phone if you are prone to dizziness when you exercise. Talk to your physician about your exercise program and follow instructions as to the intensity and duration you should employ. Reduce your risk of taxing your heart and circulation by warming up with five to seven minutes of easy exercise. Perform cool-down exercises as well. Avoid outdoor exercises if it's too warm, humid or cold.
Causes
Other medical conditions that can cause dizziness to occur while exercising include vertigo, arthritis, neurological problems and anxiety disorders. Vertigo is an inner ear condition that usually worsens when you move around, especially when your exercise involves sudden quick movements. You may have an inner ear infection or buildup of fluid in your ear. Exercise can exacerbate joint problems that trigger painful attacks that make you dizzy when you suffer from rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. Spinal cord injuries, head injuries and the onset of Parkinson's disease may cause the dizziness. If you are prone to panic attacks, you may experience dizziness while exercising, especially if you are under pressure or involved in a competition.
