Help! Nausea and Lightheadedness at the Gym!

[Afalcone]

I am a 27 year old female. I started dieting (weight watchers) and working out 4 times per week in March 2016. When I first started going to the gym, I was having issues with feeling extremely nauseous and lightheaded (very close to passing out) after about 30 minutes of cardio exercise. I chalked this up to being over weight and out of shape. I also thought maybe I wasn't eating enough close to gym time, so I have been making it a point to eat a good snack (tuna and crackers, banana, yogurt with granola, etc.) at least 30 minutes before my workout. Although the episodes aren't as frequent as when I wasn't eating anything before the gym, I am still experiencing these "near pass out" episodes about once a month. The only thing that helps when an episode occurs is laying flat on the ground for about 5-10 minutes. You could imagine how embarrassing this can be in a packed gym.

So, about 8 years ago, I was told that I have Mitral Valve Prolapse with mild regurgitation. I was told that it was VERY mild and may not even show any symptoms. However, I am beginning to think it has become a bigger issue in the last few years (specifically the last few months). Does anyone else experience this? Could it be part of a heart problem? Maybe I made it worse by exercising? Thinking I might need to see a doctor....

[itdood]

I think everyone has MVP and mild regurge.  I have it.  Hasn't affected my cardio.  

talk to your doc and maybe get a stress test done to make sure that all in order.

[MichelleP_3811]

It might be good to get your valve issue checked again but I don't have experience with valve problems so I can't personally say it is related.  I do, however, have low bp problems and it sounds like your bp may be going too low.  This seems possible since you state eating helps.  I would also suggest drinking lots of water during your work out.  Maybe track your bp for a while and see if it does tend to be low and if so maybe add a few salty snacks to your diet and see if it helps.   Also maybe ease up a bit on the intensity of the work out and make sure you are doing proper warm ups and cool downs.  Track to see if it coincides with your period.  If you are a bit anemic when you menstruate that could be part of the problem.  Do you notice heavy periods?  If so make a visit to your gynecologist for a check up. And a regular check up wouldn't hurt either to check where all your electrolytes are at.  Best of luck sorting it out.  Keep us posted on how you are doing.