Why Do I Get Dizzy When Exercising Sometimes? The scoop on Orthostatic Hypotension.

Have you ever wrapped up a set of crunches, popped up to do squats and gotten fuzzy-headed? What about going from sitting in a chair to standing, and then seeing spots floating in front of you? Cat Kom is joined by Jess, a trainer at Studio SWEAT that also happens to be a registered nurse, to talk to us about some possible causes.
Orthostatic Hypotension is a medical condition that literally means standing low blood pressure. When you have this condition, going from a prone or seated position to standing can cause a drop in blood pressure and sometimes an increased heart rate, leading to dizziness, seeing spots, or in some cases, passing out. Moving from one position to another requires your heart to work harder to move blood between upper and lower extremities.
Who should be checked?
You should see your healthcare provider for testing if:
-You experience symptoms (fuzzy head, seeing spots, lightheadedness) regularly when exercising.
-You experience symptoms during normal activities (eg. Standing up from the table at dinner).
How does this get diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will diagnose Orthostatic Hypotension with a “bedside” test, monitoring your blood pressure first lying down, and then sitting and sometimes up to a standing position. If you have Orthostatic Hypotension, when you switch positions your blood pressure will drop and your heart rate will skyrocket. An inconclusive bedside test may lead your healthcare provider to do some bloodwork as well.
Could it be caused by something else?
Sure. Your doctor will check a lot of things. For example, recently Cat’s daughter has been experiencing unexplained dizziness and even passed out. Her doctor first performed the bedside test, but her blood pressure remained normal. Blood work, however, showed low sodium levels and iron. What a mystery, given her daughter’s love of soy sauce! But dizziness caused by low sodium is not uncommon in fit, healthy people, even those who don’t avoid sodium in their diets. If you drink a lot of water (which you should!), you’ll dilute the sodium and potassium in your body. Low sodium can be a cause of dizziness. Unless you’re being treated for cardiac issues, you do need some sodium in your diet.
If you do have Orthostatic Hypotension, or dizziness from other causes, how do you work out safely? You might try some of these tips.
-Talk to your Doc. As with any medical condition, first you should follow the advice of your healthcare provider. You may need to avoid up-down exercises. Your provider can advise on how to perform exercises safely. Want to continue doing burpees (obviously)? Ask your provider how you can do so safely.
-Breathe. Cat is always reminding us to breathe in and out. That may sound basic, but pay attention next time you’re in the last 10 seconds of a 45-second plank.
-Eat First. If you have any light-headed tendencies, don’t work out on an empty stomach. Grab a protein bar or shake, or some healthy carbs before hitting the gym.
-Coffee is your friend. If you do have Orthostatic Hypotension, your doctor may recommend a cup of coffee before exercise to increase your blood pressure (just be sure to go easy on added sugars). A lot of us at Studio SWEAT start our day with a piece of fruit and a cup of coffee or espresso before heading to class.
-Watch for blood sugar dips, often caused by eating “empty” carbs (added sugars).
-Hydrate. Although hydration can dilute your sodium levels, it is still very important to all of your body’s systems to keep hydrated.
-Consider a multivitamin. Many of us aren’t getting all the nutrients we need via our diet. If your doctor finds that your sodium, potassium, or other mineral levels are low, they may recommend a multivitamin or other supplements.
-Above all, know your body and your limits.
While it can be scary to experience sudden dizziness or blurry vision, there may be a simple explanation. If you are experiencing such symptoms, get checked and work together with your healthcare provider so you can get back to fit!
Want a fat-torching workout that hopefully does NOT cause Orthostatic Hypotension? Check out Studio SWEAT and Studio SWEAT onDemand (bit.ly/2Zumy02)
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[@alexandriarose7134]

Kinda annoying when she’s trying to answer the question and she keeps talking over her

[@kee7678]

very annoying

[@abecalle]

She seems to have a hard time letting go of the mic 🎤

[@markhayes749]

Yeah like wtf is she mentally challenged

[@StudioSWEATonDemand]

Sorry for that and thank you for your comment! We're always looking to improve for you! 🙌🤗

[@audreyleafe]

If the lady on the right would stop talking over the other girl

[@Frhs287]

Omg can you let the nurse speak!

[@Pebblefruit]

I just feel super dizzy and light headed when I’m running, my eye visions begins to get dark and it becomes a challenge to keep going cause I don’t wanna pass out

[@ReAnnRing]

I would love it if the nurse could talk with that being interrupted every 15 seconds.

[@shiriennouri]

Thank you for this! I thought everyone experienced seeing darkness or spots after standing up and now they I'm an adult, I am just realizing this is not normal 😂

[@dougie-thugie]

Great interview. Nice job yall

[@amyiunharris2364]

OMG let her talk! I'm bout ready to go to another video if the nurse is not agitated I am for her. Rude

[@smoovej86]

This helped very much thank you so much 🙏

[@NeuroPulse]

My salt reads 140mmol/L but my BP reads 92/50, heart rate 52. I get dizzy and out of breath and heart rate explodes when I get excited about something. Calisthenics athlete, 30.

[@willsenior6722]

Thank you!

[@sogsniper2002]

I had a heatstroke in Iraq and have had this issue since. Is heatstroke a cause of orthostatic hypotension or could it be chalked up to just being out of shape?

[@StudioSWEATonDemand]

I believe it can cause it, but I would definitely follow up with my health care provider if I were you. I want you to be able to workout safely!

[@judywilliams9804]

I add sprinkle of Celt salt to my water

[@dompolidori5313]

let the woman speak lol

[@patcowley6378]

Heavy kettlebell swings...had a spell that lasted an uncomortable length of time Think I need to walk alot more and ditch the tobacco

[@amyiunharris2364]

Gotta go lol

[@NVBR_23]

This nurse don’t know _ _ _ _ !

[@stanislav3114]

Woman on the right is so annoying. Why does she interrupt constantly ?

[@gpmadrox91]

Narcissist