Fainting after exercising can happen to anyone at any time, even those in excellent health. Most of the time, passing out after exercising is not a cause for medical concern, and you will make a complete recovery from your symptoms within a few moments. However, if your fainting is accompanied by other symptoms or happens more than once after exercising, seek immediate medical evaluation as you could have a more serious health condition.
Stress
Strong emotions -- such as stress, anxiety and grief -- may cause you to faint after exercising. Many people choose to cope with stress by exercising or working out, but the nerves that control your blood pressure are also affected by your emotions, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Fear of bodily injury or the sight of your own blood while exercising might also cause you to pass out, suggests the MayoClinic.com.
Drugs
Certain types of medications can cause you to pass out after exercising. Medications used to treat high blood pressure could bring your blood pressure down too low, leading you to faint after exercising. In addition, using alcohol, marijuana or other recreational drugs might cause you to faint after a workout.
Dietary Concerns
Dehydration, which is a common occurrence during exercise and athletic competition, can cause you to faint during or after exercising. Exercising in hot weather or engaging in a particularly intense or long workout can increase the risk of dehydration. Low blood sugar and eating disorders such as anorexia can lead to fainting after exercising.
Exercise Technique
Breathing too quickly while exercising can cause you to hyperventilate and pass out. Straining while holding a pose or position can also cause you to faint. If you exercise in a reclined position, such as doing bench presses or performing yoga poses, standing up suddenly can cause you to faint. Alternatively, standing in the same position for a long period of time while exercising, such as doing resistance band exercises, could cause blood to pool in your legs, leading you to faint.
Cardiac Conditions
Although rare, serious medical problems related to the function of your heart and blood vessels can cause you to faint after exercising, according to the National Library of Medicine. Pressure on a blood vessel in your neck caused by turning your head quickly could cause you to pass out after exercising. An abnormal heart rhythm, aggravated by increased pulse rates while exercising, might also cause you to faint. A sudden drop in your blood pressure, a heart attack or a stroke may be other causes of fainting.
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