Dizzy when doing cardio

[Confused2508]

Hi everyone,

I need some advice cause I am going a bit crazy with the diagnosis of my GP. I went to him compalining that when I do cardio, in less than five minutes I feel that I am dizzy, short of breath and will faint. This happens everytime I go to the gym so I was a bit worried. I also get palpitations sometimes, but not regularly. He listened to my heart while I was lying down and then again when he asked me to sit up on the bed. He said that the rhythm changed considerably from one position to another which is not normal. He said that I have what is called: left ventricular hypertrophy, the thickening of a heart muscle which is quite serious as far as I know and is referring my to a clinic.

What do you think? How can he be so sure? I didn't ask much cause I got a bit scared when in there. .

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks
M

[Niffer991]

Considering you have a medical condition, it will be best to refer to medical expertise. On the other hand, there are a few things I do know. As a Fitness Professional, diet is the most important thing related to exercise. I have had similar cases to yours where one lady actually had your diagnosis but worse, and other regular people who get symptoms just like yours.

From my perspective, rule out your nutrition as a problem by taking your electrolytes 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp no salt, 1 tsp sea salt, 2 TBSP honey or sugar w/ boiling water and then sip throughout the day. Secondly make sure you are eating enough carbohydrates ie. rice, bread, oatmeal, wraps, pasta, cereal, potatoes, yams, bananas etc. Carbohydrates must be a part of your pre-exercise food about 60-70% about 1 - 1.5 hrs before exercise. Carbohydrates are your energy and so without the right carbohydrates anyone will be dizzy, out of breath and light headed as your body is trying hard to burn fumes so to speak for energy which is increadibly hard for the body.

Keeping it simple, electolytes daily and eat enough carbs. Then you will have a better idea if this is part of the problem or not.

Jen

[Confused2508]

Hi!

Thank you for your reply. I used to exercise before and was fine. I used to train as a dancer, and never had such problems.  I am now exercising with an instructor, who is trying to get me back on my feet and help me with my knee injury and I am taking it really slowly. We always start with 3 min on the bike or the cross-trainer on a very low level just to get me wormed up and only that will do it for me and I'll be dizzy for the rest of the session.
As for the GP he checked my pressure and pulse when sitting down and standing before checking my heart, but is sending me to a heart specialist now which means he has probably ruled out everything else?. . . I am just a bit confused at how quickly and surely he made his diagnosis. Now he is sending me for a 24hour ecg scan . .

Again many thanks for your help!
M

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Are you new to cardio exercises? If so 5 minutes will definitely make you breathless, dizzy and weak. You will need to slow down and it would be advisable to start under a trained instructor. In case you have been doing it for some time effortlessly, then you could be having a high BP. Certain heart problems like stress angina, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathies etc too can cause these symptoms. Lung problems like asthma too can be the culprit. Low blood sugar and anemia too can precipitate similar symptoms on doing a cadio.
Hope this helps. I think you should discuss these possibilities with your doctor. It is difficult to comment beyond this without examining. A comprehensive investigation is required keeping all the points in mind. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!