[Taramere]

I have to be really careful when I've spent time in a sauna, because if I stand up too quickly I'm liable to faint. Similar with hot baths, jacuzzis etc. I've mentioned it to my doctor before in the context of "is this a medical problem? Is there anything I could take to increase my blood pressure?" She just took the view that low blood pressure is healthy.

I'd really like to have better circulation though, and it would be nice to be able to take a sauna without the dizzy sensations. A while back I fainted after using one, and the gym staff were understandably wary of letting me use it again. I fibbed and said I just hadn't been well. I like saunas, and don't want to give them up...so I've just been really careful since then to avoid spending long periods of time in there, and to get up slowly.

Does anyone else have low blood pressure that gives them these dizzy spells (eg when you take a sauna or stand up too quickly)? If so - what were your experiences of medical advice, if any, that you received? Is there anything you did by way of diet or exercise that reduced the dizzy sensations?

[blind_otter]

Have you ever been evaluated by a cardiologist? Regular doctors don't have the equipment to diagnose heart problems. I have what is called mitral valve prolapse and I also faint when in a sauna or extremely hot hot tub. even hot baths make me dizzy.

But the kicker is the only way to diagnose that is through an echocardiogram. I didn't even know I had it until I was 23/24 and I had other health problems and the neurologist I was seeing suggested I get evaluated for this issue.

If you get dizzy a lot I would suggest asking for a referral to a cariologist. I have no idea why your GP wouldn't automatically do that anyway.

[Trialbyfire]

I also have fairly low blood pressure. It's why I get cold easily. I can't use a sauna, have to be careful if I stand up too quickly, have to be careful with the length of time in hot tubs. Hot baths don't bother me, unless they're scorchingly hot but then, I don't spend a lot of time in them due to impatience.

I suspect your GP knows the level of what's considered unhealthy, therefore, hasn't referred you to a specialist. Mine considers my level low but not of any real concern. The positive side to this is that with lower blood pressure, we'll be less prone to certain heart conditions.

I do agree that if you're getting dizzy a lot, get a second opinion. It can't hurt.

[Taramere]

Originally Posted by blind_otter

Have you ever been evaluated by a cardiologist? Regular doctors don't have the equipment to diagnose heart problems. I have what is called mitral valve prolapse and I also faint when in a sauna or extremely hot hot tub. even hot baths make me dizzy.

But the kicker is the only way to diagnose that is through an echocardiogram. I didn't even know I had it until I was 23/24 and I had other health problems and the neurologist I was seeing suggested I get evaluated for this issue.

If you get dizzy a lot I would suggest asking for a referral to a cariologist. I have no idea why your GP wouldn't automatically do that anyway.

Thanks Otter. No, I've never seen a cardiologist. Whenever I've had my blood pressure taken, it's always just been a case of "great - no problems there."

A gym staff member, who gave me the usual check-over, did once say that I should watch my blood pressure as there's such a thing as it being too low. I mentioned that during one appointment with a GP, and he was a bit dismissive of the notion.

Just lying in the sauna or doesn't make me faint; it's more when I leave it. I have to do it in stages. When I sit up I get dizzy enough that I know I'll faint if I stand, so I have to wait for maybe 20 seconds or so before I stand - then when I do that I have to hold onto something, let the dizziness pass then go out.

Did they give you any kind of medication, or have you just been told to avoid saunas/hot baths?

Originally Posted by TBF

I suspect your GP knows the level of what's considered unhealthy, therefore, hasn't referred you to a specialist. Mine considers my level low but not of any real concern. The positive side to this is that with lower blood pressure, we'll be less prone to certain heart conditions.

I do agree that if you're getting dizzy a lot, get a second opinion. It can't hurt.

Thanks TBF. I'll keep an eye on it and maybe mention it next time I go to the GP. It's not something that causes me enough hassle to merit an appointment of its own - but I just wondered whether other people with low blood pressure have experienced that problem in the sauna.

[Storyrider]

I see stars and get dizzy sometimes when I stand up too quickly. I had no idea this was related to low blood-pressure. I've never had trouble with hot tubs, etc.

[whichwayisup]

Have you had your blood level checked? It is possible that you have low blood sugars and that's why you've passed out or feel dizzy when in a hottub or stand up too quickly.

Always carry a snack with you, an orange, a nutrabar, or something. For me, sometimes if I am active and busy, then stop, my blood sugar drops which causes me to feel awful and shakey...Eating something and drinking orange juice right away helps.

[blind_otter]

Originally Posted by Taramere

Thanks Otter. No, I've never seen a cardiologist. Whenever I've had my blood pressure taken, it's always just been a case of "great - no problems there."

A gym staff member, who gave me the usual check-over, did once say that I should watch my blood pressure as there's such a thing as it being too low. I mentioned that during one appointment with a GP, and he was a bit dismissive of the notion.

Just lying in the sauna or doesn't make me faint; it's more when I leave it. I have to do it in stages. When I sit up I get dizzy enough that I know I'll faint if I stand, so I have to wait for maybe 20 seconds or so before I stand - then when I do that I have to hold onto something, let the dizziness pass then go out.

Did they give you any kind of medication, or have you just been told to avoid saunas/hot baths?

Mitral valve prolapse actually has nothing to do with blood pressure. Mine has always been great - low, actually. It's just a floppy valve in the heart that causes unoxygenated blood to mix with oxygenated blood, thus causing dizziness and lightheadedness.

Initially I was put on beta blockers, but I discontinued those about a year after I started taking them and I've been fine. I have been told to avoid extremely hot baths/saunas, though, just for comfort's sake.

[sb129]

I have low BP too, and I get similar dizziness etc when I stand up sometimes.

Usually some food like a banana or a cereal bar helps.

Its better to have low BP than high BP, so I just try to avoid doing things when I know it will happen.

Have a look at these

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pages/bodymap.aspx

http://www.medicinenet.com/low_blood...re/article.htm

[Taramere]

Originally Posted by whichwayisup

Have you had your blood level checked? It is possible that you have low blood sugars and that's why you've passed out or feel dizzy when in a hottub or stand up too quickly.

Always carry a snack with you, an orange, a nutrabar, or something. For me, sometimes if I am active and busy, then stop, my blood sugar drops which causes me to feel awful and shakey...Eating something and drinking orange juice right away helps.

That's a great point, WWIU. Usually at the gym I just have water, but I'm going to follow your advice and take something like orange juice along with me next time I go.

Originally Posted by Blind_Otter

Initially I was put on beta blockers, but I discontinued those about a year after I started taking them and I've been fine. I have been told to avoid extremely hot baths/saunas, though, just for comfort's sake.

Do beta blockers not reduce blood pressure further?

Thanks for the links, sb129.

[carhill]

Possible orthostatic hypotension.

Yes, beta blockers will reduce blood pressure.

Some people have an issue with their brain sending the proper hormonal signals to the heart when moving from a rest position to a standing position. Syncope can result.

I echo being examined by a cardiologist (and possibly endocrinologist)...

[blind_otter]

Originally Posted by Taramere

Thanks Otter. No, I've never seen a cardiologist. Whenever I've had my blood pressure taken, it's always just been a case of "great - no problems there."

If you've never had a problem with your blood pressure then I doubt that your dizziness is related to low blood pressure. It could be a dozen things but I would rather you get medical advice from a cardiologist.

[Taramere]

Originally Posted by carhill

Possible orthostatic hypotension.

Yes, beta blockers will reduce blood pressure.

Some people have an issue with their brain sending the proper hormonal signals to the heart when moving from a rest position to a standing position. Syncope can result.

I echo being examined by a cardiologist (and possibly endocrinologist)...

Originally Posted by Blind_Otter

If you've never had a problem with your blood pressure then I doubt that your dizziness is related to low blood pressure. It could be a dozen things but I would rather you get medical advice from a cardiologist.

Thanks for all the advice, guys (I'll have to do a bit of googling there, carhill). It really does just tend to happen after saunas. I noticed it after getting out of a hot tub yesterday too, but that was soon after a sauna, so maybe I just overdid it with the heat.

I feel healthy enough otherwise, I always prefer to see if things can be sorted out with a few lifestyle changes before pestering my doctor - but I'll definitely mention it to her next time I see her and ask if she thinks it needs checked out further.

[Trialbyfire]

Hey Taramere, just have her take your blood pressure on the spot. It only takes a couple of minutes and it will hopefully help to alleviate some of your concern.

[carhill]

As I've dealt with OH with my mom, due to her dementia, I might be able to simplify...

When I'm sitting and I "think" about standing, there is a process where my brain sends out hormones to my heart and blood vessels to cause heart rate and blood flow to increase to supply both the oxygen the muscles need to move me and pressure to counteract gravity as my mass begins to move (blood is part of this mass). If the system doesn't work right, either in timing or extent, blood pressure and flow to the brain diminish, which can cause dizziness or syncope (fainting).

Other things can cause this, like inner ear issues, but that tends to be positional, not just when going sit to stand.

The heat/humidity of a sauna has an effect on the circulatory/endocrine system as well. Your cardiologist (or a medical book) can explain the interactions.

I'm not a doctor, just an experienced caregiver who had to learn a lot of this stuff.

[sb129]

Originally Posted by carhill

I echo being examined by a cardiologist (and possibly endocrinologist)...

Oh to live in the US where you can see a specialist so easily and your insurance will pay for it.

Here in the UK, a referral to a specialist (ie cardiologist/ endocrinologist) is at the discretion of your GP, (so it they think there is nothing wrong, then you don't get a referral) and even then you have to wait quite a long time to be seen.

If you want to pay for it, its veeeeerrrrrrry expensive, and because there IS a national health service, most people don't have insurance.

Originally Posted by Taramere

can be sorted out with a few lifestyle changes before pestering my doctor - but I'll definitely mention it to her next time I see her and ask if she thinks it needs checked out further.

On the flip side- your NI pays for your doctors (good) salary, so don't be worried about "pestering" her!!!!!