Expert: David Richardson - 11/3/2009

Question
I've had enough of this. I REALLY need to exercise. It's been keeping me sane for years of battle with anxiety and panic attacks. It distracts me, and all.

But lately I gave up. Even if all I do is a couple of push-ups, I get extremely dizzy and fear of fainting. While the anxiety seems to be improving, every time I do some sort of physical fitness, I get very dizzy and lightheaded. Even if I'm lifting boxes for 5 minutes I get these feelings.  I have had done all many tests like stress tests, echo ecg. All was okay even my BP was okay. I do have anxiety but i am not sure if this relates to the heart or relates to anxiety. What could I have?


Answer
Dear Edin,

If the dizziness is spinning, like you were spinning round and round or the room is spinning around you, see an ear specialist.  They can often teach you maneuvers of your head to dislodge grains of sand in you inner ear and cure this kind of dizziness.

If not spinning, and you get dizzy when you stand after exercise, get your blood pressure measured while you're standing quietly for 1,3 & 5 minutes.  Low standing BP can cause dizziness.

Please write back if this note doesn't answer all your questions, and PLEASE let me know what you find out.

David Richardson