From the Guidelines
If you experience dizziness while weight lifting, stop your workout immediately and sit or lie down until the sensation passes. This symptom could indicate several issues including low blood pressure, dehydration, overexertion, or improper breathing techniques. Ensure you're properly hydrated before and during workouts by consuming water, as suggested by the American Heart Association 1. Maintain proper breathing by exhaling during exertion (lifting phase) and inhaling during the easier phase (lowering weights). Avoid holding your breath, which can cause a Valsalva maneuver that increases blood pressure temporarily followed by a drop, leading to dizziness. Consider reducing your workout intensity and incorporating a longer warm-up period of 5-10 minutes of light cardio. The American Heart Association also recommends being alert for symptoms such as faintness accompanying exercise, and if such symptoms occur, obtaining medical consultation before continuing exercise 1. If dizziness persists or recurs despite these measures, consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions like anemia, inner ear problems, or cardiovascular issues, as suggested by the clinical practice guideline for Ménière's disease 1. They may recommend specific tests or medications depending on your diagnosis.
From the Research
Causes of Dizziness while Weight Lifting
- Dizziness during weight lifting can be caused by various factors, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Ménière disease, migraine, acute peripheral vestibulopathy, cerebral ischemia, and anxiety disorders 2
- It is essential to identify the underlying cause of dizziness to determine the best course of action
Evaluation and Management of Dizziness
- The evaluation of dizziness focuses on determining whether the etiology is peripheral or central, with peripheral etiologies usually being benign and central etiologies often requiring urgent treatment 3
- The HINTS (head-impulse, nystagmus, test of skew) examination can help distinguish peripheral from central etiologies
- Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause, such as the Epley maneuver for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or salt restriction and diuretics for Meniere disease 3
Relationship between Blood Pressure and Dizziness
- High blood pressure has been associated with an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment, but its relationship to dizziness is unclear 4
- However, it is essential to monitor blood pressure during weight lifting, as significant changes can contribute to dizziness
Precautions and Next Steps
- If you experience dizziness while weight lifting, stop the activity immediately and rest
- Consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of dizziness and develop a plan to prevent future episodes
- In some cases, medication or other treatments may be necessary to manage dizziness, such as meclizine for vertigo 5