Feeling dizzy or lightheaded while standing is a common experience caused by a decrease in blood pressure. If this drop in blood pressure is very short and rapid and has nothing to do with other health problems, it is called early orthostatic hypotension or IOH.
According to new research, some simple muscle exercises before and after standing can limit the effectiveness of IOH and provide peace of mind to those who experience IOH at no cost or drug. The important thing seems to be to activate the muscles of the lower body before or after standing.
Researchers tested the idea of muscle tone after people had already stood up and before some success, but in this new study, we looked at whether it would act as a preemptive measure.
The effect of the two exercises on IOH. (arrhythmia)
“These are simple, effective, and inexpensive interventions that patients can use to prevent symptoms from IOH,” the researchers wrote in a published paper.
Twenty-two young women with a history of IOH participated in the study and two exercises were tested. I sat down for 30 seconds before standing, raised my knees, and crossed my legs for 30 seconds after standing.
Researchers monitored participants’ heart rate and blood pressure at their respective intervals during the experiment. Participants were also asked to self-report on symptoms of IOH, including dizziness.
Both exercises made a significant difference in limiting temporary blood pressure reduction and alleviating the symptoms of IOH compared to the absence of intervention (just standing up normally).
“Because this is a physical manipulation, we need lower body limbs that patients can use to fight symptoms anytime, anywhere,” said Nasia Sheikh, a clinical researcher at the University of Calgary, Canada.
IOH is thought to be caused by the opening of blood vessels caused by the process of standing up. Therefore, what these exercises may be doing is to counteract the response, and researchers say the two exercises can also be used in combination.
Currently, people who are experiencing IOH (believed to be up to 40% of the general population in the United States) do not have a specific treatment available. The best advice so far has been to get up slowly and slowly as much as possible.
The sample size of this study was small and only females were involved, but these exercises could change that. A little lightheadedness may not seem like a big deal, but it can affect your daily life and in some cases lead to fainting and loss of consciousness.
“Most people will have experienced staggering at some point after standing up,” said Satish Raj, a cardiologist at the University of Calgary. “For some people, this happens frequently and can happen several times a day. It’s very scary and can have a negative impact on quality of life.”
The study is published at arrhythmia..
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