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What Causes Headache, Dizziness With Iron Deficiency?
Posted on
Thu, 13 Aug 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 13 Aug 2015
Answered on
Wed, 2 Sep 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : I am 64. I walk abut 5 miles a day. I live in North Florida and is hot. I got pretty hot walking and then hit some golf balls around the yard. I got dizzy hitting the balls. I have had a kind of headache/dizzy a little the last 2 days. I take blood pressure medicine Lisinopril 20MG. My blood pressure has been up but goes back after I take the medicine. I also have hemroids that bleed and sometime my blood/iron gets a little low. I take iron pills to combat this. I feel tired and a little dizzy and have sort of a headache. I had by-pass surgery in 1999 as well but have had no issues since then. Your thoughts!
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms seem to be related to a low perfusion to the brain
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I read your question carefully and understand your concern.
Your symptoms seem to be related to low blood perfusion to the brain. There are different factors contributing to this low blood flow to the brain:
a) dehydratation and skin vasodilatation from the hot weather
b) chronic anemia from your hemorrhoids
c) a possible orthostatic hypotension ( exacerbated by the above factors).
You should know that a low brain perfusion, can lead to headache and dizziness, because the brain cells are not getting sufficient oxygen and other supplies for their normal function.
Have you measured your blood pressure during these episodes?
I recommend consulting with your GP for a careful physical examination, a routine blood test for anemia, kidney and liver function tests and blood electrolytes.
It is important to measure your blood pressure during sitting and standing up position. A decrease more than 20mm Hg of your systolic blood pressure during standing up would be very suggestive for orthostatic hypotension. A head up tilt test would be necessary for the diagnosis.
I would also recommend also performing a Doppler ultrasound of the neck vessels to see the blood flow in both carotid and vertebral arteries, and exclude possible stenosis which could be another cause of low blood perfusion to the brain.
Meanwhile I advise to avoid getting out during the hottest hours of the days and take plenty of water. A good hydration would be the best.
Hope to have been helpful!
Feel free to ask any other questions, whenever you need.
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Your symptoms seem to be related to a low perfusion to the brain
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for asking on HCM!
I read your question carefully and understand your concern.
Your symptoms seem to be related to low blood perfusion to the brain. There are different factors contributing to this low blood flow to the brain:
a) dehydratation and skin vasodilatation from the hot weather
b) chronic anemia from your hemorrhoids
c) a possible orthostatic hypotension ( exacerbated by the above factors).
You should know that a low brain perfusion, can lead to headache and dizziness, because the brain cells are not getting sufficient oxygen and other supplies for their normal function.
Have you measured your blood pressure during these episodes?
I recommend consulting with your GP for a careful physical examination, a routine blood test for anemia, kidney and liver function tests and blood electrolytes.
It is important to measure your blood pressure during sitting and standing up position. A decrease more than 20mm Hg of your systolic blood pressure during standing up would be very suggestive for orthostatic hypotension. A head up tilt test would be necessary for the diagnosis.
I would also recommend also performing a Doppler ultrasound of the neck vessels to see the blood flow in both carotid and vertebral arteries, and exclude possible stenosis which could be another cause of low blood perfusion to the brain.
Meanwhile I advise to avoid getting out during the hottest hours of the days and take plenty of water. A good hydration would be the best.
Hope to have been helpful!
Feel free to ask any other questions, whenever you need.
Best wishes,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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