Orthostatic Hypotension | Hydration Problem?

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

[oooh, look at me trying to impress the Docs by using big words :stuck_out_tongue: ]

Hi,

Nearly everytime i come to the last reps of a work set of Squats, i get light-headed

Usually it’s pretty mild - i just take a breath and it passes - but a couple of times i’ve had to rack the bar for fear of blacking out

is this just par for the course or is it indicative of a problem, e.g. insufficient hydration?

let me know if you need any more info

Thanks!

2

I’m no doctor but I’m suspicious of your diagnosis of hypotension when you have a load on your back. Maybe you are having a breath / incorrect valsalva issue.

3

Thank Brian - could you give an example? or expand on what you mean?

I’m pretty sure i’m breathing ‘n’ bracing correctly, but grateful for any advice

4

Orthostatic hypotension is when your blood pressure drops as a result of changing position.

You are probably just experiencing the results of a prolonged valsalva. Make sure you aren’t “bracing” up in your face, either.

5

Not sure what you mean here, Austin … as in “don’t puff yer cheeks out, an’ that”?

6

Right. The actual bracing occurs in the abdominal region, not in your face/neck.

7

Cool. Thanks, mate!