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Light headed during/after exercise. I'm 33

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Posted 10/19/2017 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
So I have had a cardiologist since I was 22. I do have severe anxiety, and had an EP study in my mid 20's and a Holter monitor to rule out bad ayrithmias. All normal results. I get a yearly check up with the doc and an EKG. Always fine. I do have high blood pressure but it's controlled with nadolol and amlodipine. From about 25 on I get light headed when exercising and head pressure and now it's to the point where I got it just from sitting and doing curls. I have been extremely sedentary for about 10 years because I'm afraid to exercise especially now. I used to be an athlete. I have a cardiologist appointment in one month because I can't deal with this. It's like exercise is important to be healthy, yet it makes me feel unhealthy or like it's a threat to my well being. It can't be all in my head, it's very very real, but if I had all these prior tests, what could be causing this? I just want to be active again. I told him about this last year, after the EKG. He didn't seem concerned but didn't have a good answer. I cut the nadolol from 40 MG to 20mg. Can it be the BP meds doing this to me? I'm afraid of a stress test because of embarrassment of what will happen or how ill look or what may happen during. Does anyone have any input? Thanks i appreciate it.
Posted 10/19/2017 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
hi and welcome. did doc cut ya back on bp med? yep it could be. however you got the cyclic stuff of anxiety bp stress and so forth, these all play a cyclic role. i did a stress test once, did not last long but it gave the cardiologist excellent info. as my nurses said to me shaving me down for my double by-pass, in hospital the embarrassment is left at the front door. let the cardiologist do there thing. however be sure to ask them all of the questions. keep strong.
Posted 10/19/2017 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Philly & welcome aboard. If you reduced your BP meds without your drs blessing, it could be possible this could be an issue. Then again as the above poster mentioned the cyclic anxiety issues are not helping your situation at all. There are many posts in this forum from people with anxiety that are in fear they have heart problems. Once the proper testing is done & comes back normal, they realize anxiety has been pushing their buttons.

As far as embarrassment goes with your stress test, I can assure you they have seen it all. As HT said, leave your embarrassment at the door. You will do just fine. Take care.
Posted 10/19/2017 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the help guys. Yes I did get the okay to cutback on the meds. My BP has actually been great for almost a year now, however when I go to other doctors, they always say my heart rate is low (mid-high 40's) then I tell them I'm on beta blockers. And I do see all of the anxiety posters. I went through the "somethings wrong with my heart" phase despite all medical advice in my early 20s. I think im beyond that, but this lightheadedness with exercise is something I didn't have back then. I used to get palpitations that were deemed benign, but the beta blocker seemed to relieve those for the most part. I ha e an appointment in a month. I'm just at my wits end. Well thanks again guys it means a lot you took the time to answer me smile
Posted 10/20/2017 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
smile keep strong.
Posted 10/20/2017 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Why are you afraid to exercise? Because of the dizziness?

I would think yes, it could be your meds dropping you to low. It could also be your breathing. A lot of people tend to hold their breath when they exercise, particularly when they lift. Proper breathing is the foundation of all things, including exercise.

Exercise is supposed to be hard and when just starting out, you are going to be out of your comfort zone. Start slow and be kind to yourself. We all start at the bottom and have to work our way to the top.
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