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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Lightheadedness And Balancing Difficulty?

I get light headed under hours of strenuous hiking, and loose balance. I m 66 and passed a stress test with flying colors, but those only last a few minutes. 5 9 158 lbs. taking meds for slight high blood pressure, but my pressure may be going down. Changes in life - serious hiking for the past 7 months, 1 to 2 days per week climbing 3800 ft. mountains. Any ideas on what to look for?
posted on Wed, 8 Jul 2015
Twitter Tue, 28 Jul 2015 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 28 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
I understand your concern.
If you climb fast on high altitudes these problems may occur to you. This is due to low amount of pressure and oxygen at high altitude. Our body needs time to settle in these new atmosphere. It needs more Hemoglobin to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of blood. Also you have mild hypertension, this could also be the cause.
My advice is first get your blood pressure measurement, Hemoglobin and SpO2 done. This will help to know your current status.
Climb small heights daily. Take rest and take 5-6 deep breaths inbetween your normal respiration. This will replenish your blood oxygen levels.
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What Causes Lightheadedness And Balancing Difficulty?

I understand your concern. If you climb fast on high altitudes these problems may occur to you. This is due to low amount of pressure and oxygen at high altitude. Our body needs time to settle in these new atmosphere. It needs more Hemoglobin to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of blood. Also you have mild hypertension, this could also be the cause. My advice is first get your blood pressure measurement, Hemoglobin and SpO2 done. This will help to know your current status. Climb small heights daily. Take rest and take 5-6 deep breaths inbetween your normal respiration. This will replenish your blood oxygen levels.