Lightheaded while exercising up and down

[Stacey Hawkins]

Hello!
I am an overweight, but healthy 31 year old female who regularly walks 6-10 miles weekly.  I have recently started a weight training program and find that when I am exercising up and down (doing lunges or squats say, with light (10#) weight) that I am getting lightheaded and feeling like I need to consciously deep breathe to get enough oxygen.  I do not, however get these symptoms when I exercise, even vigorously, while walking or even
after 1/2 hour on the stairmaster (with 5 minute cool down.)

I also notice that if I do not take the appropriate amount of time to cool my system down after a cardio workout, I get heart palpitations and then I panic.  Usually when I panic like this (thinking I am going into cardiac arrest!) I need to move my bowels immediately.

I have a checkup scheduled with my dr. in a month.  I will be talking to him about these symptoms as well.  In the meantime, should I be doing something else or should I worry?

Thanks-
Stacey Hawkins

[jimd1]

A related discussion, light headed during exercise was started.

[rick1234]

One thing that is extremely important when lifting weights, particularly squating, is to breath in on the way down and breath out on the way up. DO NOT ever hold your breath. I've noticed that some people are not aware they are holding their breath so be conscience of it.

rick

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear Stacey,
The action of squating and standing changes the blood pressure and blood return to the heart.  When one squats down the blood return to the heart increases and blood pressure increases.   When one stands blood return to the heart decreases and blood pressure drops.  This is a normal physiologic function.  Interestingly deep breathing increases blood retrun to the heart so you may be compensating somewhat with your breathing when you exercise.  Heart palpitations are common and are usually benign.  A cool-down time after a work-out is a good idea.