Low Blood Pressure and light headedness?

I recently was told by my doctor that I have low blood pressure. I've never really paid that much attention before. But I think it explains a lot. I have a really hard time whenever my body temperature changes due to being inside in AC and going out into a really hot day, taking a hot shower or bath, or exercising. I always find myself really light headed.

When I started riding last year on the mountain bike - I had no problem with this. Now since I've been starting to ride the road bike - I find myself experiencing this a lot. To the point I have to stop and put my head between my legs.

My doctor had me start wearing breathe right strips because I was also having a problem with my nose running so bad when I exercised I couldn't breath through it. The strips seem to be helping that.

Any thoughts on what I can do for the dizzy spells?

Did your doctor check your iron stores while you were there? What you're describing could be symptoms of anemia or low iron.

Is it possible you might need medication for the low bp? I'd hate to think you might actually pass out while you were riding!! :eek: I have problems with this too but not nearly that bad. Things are usually great on the bike (later in the day) but woozy in the mornings.

When my bp is low, it is often due to dehydration. Or at least, drinking lots of water helps bring it up. Does that sound right to more medically knowledgeable women here?

When I had preterm labor with my 2nd child, I was put on a beta-blocker (high blood pressure med) that also had a side effect of relaxing muscles, hence, keeping my contractions at bay. I found that I was often feeling exactly as you describe... light headed and dizzy. My brother-in-law is a dr. of pharmacology, and he suggested drinking a lot of water to increase my blood volume. It helped me tremendously. I don't know if this will help you, but it's worth a try! So, yes, Bikeless (my Cindy riding buddy! :)), it sounds right to me!

Hope you're able to keep biking, but keep yourself safe.

P.S. Coach K Rocks! :)

My dh has high blood pressure and when he first started on he's meds and biked he felt dizzy really bad when he would get back from he's rides. The dr put him on a lower dose cause they figured the combo of exercising and meds was dropping it to low. He is now off meds cause he is an avid rider now. Can you do anything besides med's for low pressure. Are you eating before you ride too. He's dr suggested he eat a banana or someting like that before he went for a ride just in case the low pressure wasn't the cause.

I would also suggest you have your thyroid levels (TSH, T4, T3 and antibody test to rule out Hasimoto's) checked. What your describe can be signs of hypothyroidism. Keep in mind that there is some controversial over what one's TSH has to be to be diagnosed. Some doctors say a TSH greater than 3 = hypothyroidism while others feel you exceed the range printed on the lab report. I can tell you if this is your problem once you start on the thyroid replacement you will be amazed at the difference it makes in your life.

Good luck and keep us posted.

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Originally Posted by slinkedog

P.S. Coach K Rocks! :)

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YEA he does!

Thanks for the tip - I know I don't drink enough water daily - I really try. I guess I'll have to start trying harder! Would hate to not be ready for our first organized ride the end of April - and then the LAF ride in Philly in September! Shooting for the Century, don't know if I'll get there, but I'm going to try!

Make sure your diet is not low salt. Increased water is always helpful, but increasing salt (through cheese, pretzels, soup etc doesn't have to be chips and oversalted food) can help keep your blood pressure from dropping further.

Low blood pressure is not a diagnosis - it's a symptom. This needs further workup - several have suggested things like thyroid, sodium, glucose, anemia - that all needs to be looked at along with a few other things. You don't just tell someone they have low BP without doing a little exploring - particularly if they aren't tolerating it! Once it's been worked up and nothing is found, then you can call it a primary diagnosis.

And dehydration could be one of the contributors. A chemistry panel and blood count should reveal that though.

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One additional item on the low blood pressure. Mine is very low. I have had 2 doctors tell me that the reason its so low is because I am so small (5'1", under 100 pounds). They both ruled out any physical issues (thyroid, iron etc) and determined its just kind of the way I am. It cracks me up every time I go to a doctor, the nurse takes it 2-3 times. One time in the ER the nurse actually went and got a different machine because she thought the one on me was broken! Both doctors told me that when I work out I would need to drink more water and get extra salt and electrolytes to help. I keep pretzels, peanuts (salted) and water on hand all the time, it has made a huge difference, not only in the dizziness but in my general energy level as well.

Rule out the medical issues, but be aware it might just be the way you are. Good luck!