Signs & Symptoms: Dizziness & Loss of Vision During & After Exercise

Exercise stresses the body -- stress is what causes the positive results -- but exercise should not cause frightening symptoms like dizziness or loss of vision. When you experience negative symptoms like these, it is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. Dizziness and vision loss may be caused by low blood pressure or low blood glucose. Contact your doctor if you experience dizziness or vision loss.

Hypotension

Hypotension occurs when your blood pressure falls too low; symptoms include both dizziness and blurry vision. Health professionals measure blood pressure force in millimeters of mercury, abbreviated mmHg. A blood pressure reading of 90/60 mmHg or less is considered to be hypotensive. When symptoms such as dizziness and loss of vision accompany hypotension, there may be an underlying condition as a cause.

Causes of Hypotension

Dizzy & Lightheaded When Exercising

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The normal response of blood pressure during exercise is a rise in systolic pressure in direct proportion to exercise intensity, and a stable or lowered diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure represents the force on the blood vessel walls during a contraction, or heart beat. Diastolic pressure is the lowest point of force and occurs while the heart is at rest, or filling. According to Dr. Robert J. Matthews, founder of the website Cardiology, hypotension during exercise indicates underlying heart disease 1. If this occurs, stop exercise immediately and contact your doctor. Better yet, if you are at risk for heart disease, gain medical clearance before starting any exercise program.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which your blood glucose falls below a normal and healthy range. Blood glucose levels are represented as milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood, or mg/dL. A worrisome blood glucose level is usually considered less than 70 mg/dL. Experiencing hypoglycemia during and after exercise has a certain logic, because during exercise, your muscles use blood glucose for energy production.

Treatment of Hypoglycemia

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In general, hypoglycemia will not occur in healthy individuals during or after exercise 4. If you are diabetic, take action to test your blood glucose before and after exercise to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. If you do experience hypoglycemia during exercise, consume carbohydrates, such as a sports drink. After exercise, hypoglycemia can occur because the reduction in muscle glycogen stores causes muscle cells to take in a great deal of blood glucose. Smart recovery from exercise means eating a high-carb snack or meal between 30 and 60 minutes after exercise.