Dizziness

Dizziness services offered in Homestead, FL

By its very nature, dizziness is disorienting and puts you at risk of falling. But when dizziness recurs, or chest pain, nausea, or shortness of breath accompany it, it’s time to have an evaluation from the team at Cardiovascular Wellness Center in Homestead, Florida. They get to the source of your dizziness and develop a customized treatment plan that targets the underlying cardiovascular problem. If you have questions about dizziness or need to schedule an appointment, call the office or request one online today.

What causes dizziness?

Dizziness is a common problem that’s often a one-time occurrence triggered by dehydration, low blood sugar, and heat exhaustion. You may experience dizziness if you have an inner ear or balance problem.

Dizziness is also one of the top symptoms of heart problems. When your heart can’t pump enough blood out to your body, your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. As a result, you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

Dizziness that signals a heart condition could indicate:

Low blood pressure
Cardiomyopathy
Heart attack
Heart failure
Heart valve condition
Heart arrhythmias

Of the above heart conditions, arrhythmias are most likely to make you feel dizzy. Heart arrhythmias can cause an irregular heartbeat, a rapid heart rate, or they can make your heart skip a beat.

One type of arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation causes palpitations. Palpitations refer to the different changes in your heartbeat, as well as sensations like a racing or fluttering heart.

Might I have other symptoms along with dizziness?

Dizziness can make you feel lightheaded or make you lose your balance. One type of dizziness called vertigo gives you the sensation that your surroundings are spinning.

If your dizziness is associated with a heart condition, you may also experience:

Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Weakness
Nausea
Headache
Blurry vision

Depending on the heart problem, you may also develop swelling in your legs, feet, or abdomen.

How is dizziness treated?

The only way to deal with dizziness is by diagnosing and treating the underlying condition. The team at Cardiovascular Wellness Center begins by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam. Then they may do blood tests and cardiovascular testing.

You can get a range of diagnostic tests in the office, including electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, ultrasound, X-rays, stress tests, and nuclear cardiac testing. If your Cardiovascular Wellness Center provider suspects atrial fibrillation, they may ask you to wear a Holter monitor, which records your heartbeat over 24 hours or longer.

Once you have a diagnosis, your Cardiovascular Wellness Center provider develops a customized treatment plan. Treatments for heart conditions range from lifestyle changes and medications to pacemakers, cardiac defibrillators, and minimally invasive procedures to repair problems inside your heart or coronary arteries.

If you have severe or recurrent dizziness, call Cardiovascular Wellness Center or request an appointment online today.