vision freeze

[seattleal]

I have been going to the gym for almost a month with no problems.  My first one hour cardio session occured on the first day of the fourth week and afterwards thought I had cooled down enough and went into the jacuzzi at the gym.  After about 10 minutes in the hot water, I got out and sat down.  All of a sudden, my vision froze, like pressing the pause button on the TV, and lasted for just a few seconds.  My wife said my legs reacted like during a Charly horse and my right side chest area and face also became strained.  My breathing increased noticably and lasted for about two hours and I also felt some slight nausea and had no appetite until about two hours later.  I hadn't eaten anything and this was around 11:00 a.m.  I am 66 and have lost about 50 pounds and weigh 247 now.  I seem to have recovered from the incident ok but it did worry me.  Any idea what happened to me.  During cardio, my heart rate had reached 141 for  a short period of time but usually sits around 118.  I have excellent blood pressure, 116/64 and heart at rest is 66.  Thanks

[James G Beckerman, M.D.]

There's nothing quite like the combination of a hard work out, dehydration, an empty stomach, and a hot tub.  It's quite possible that your symptoms occurred as the result of vasodilatation (blood vessels dilating in response to heat) that results in lower blood pressure.  But it's hard to be sure.  I think it would be a good idea if you let your doctor know!!