Jinusean Sean (54) felt dizzy while running.
In the recently aired MBN ‘Running to Live Season 2’, Sean competed in a running challenge with his crew in a snowfield with a wind chill of minus 8 degrees Celsius.
On that day, Sean expressed his enthusiasm to the crew members, saying, “Today, our ‘Running to Live’ team is going to make it happen. I am taking on the role of the captain, and based on the records, I am the fastest, so I will take on the anchor role at the end.”
Sean increased his speed from the beginning, passing the golf course at a pace of 4 minutes per kilometer. However, his pace soon dropped, and he stopped, saying, “I feel dizzy.” The commentators were surprised, saying, “This is the first time we’ve seen this.” Sean tried to run again but staggered and complained of dizziness again, raising concerns.
Fortunately, Sean started running again and made a final sprint to cross the finish line safely. He expressed, “I was moved. I was proud and pleased with the members.”
Running in Cold Weather Can Cause Dizziness... It May Be a Sign of Cardiovascular Issues
Like Sean, running in a cold wave can cause dizziness. In cold weather, peripheral blood vessels constrict strongly, and blood is concentrated in the core to maintain body temperature, leading to significant fluctuations in blood pressure. If brain blood flow becomes temporarily unstable during this process, dizziness, blurred vision, and loss of balance may occur.
Additionally, in cold environments, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can lead to abnormal heart rates or orthostatic hypotension, worsening dizziness. Moreover, deeply inhaling cold air while running can constrict the bronchi and reduce oxygen exchange efficiency, leading to a relative hypoxic state.
It is particularly important to note that dizziness may not just be a simple decline in condition but could also be an early signal of cardiovascular issues or arrhythmias. If dizziness is accompanied by chest tightness, difficulty breathing, severe palpitations, cold sweats, nausea, or pain radiating to the arms or jaw, it should be considered an emergency situation.
Avoid Outdoor Running in Low Temperatures... If Symptoms Persist, Medical Checkup is Necessary
To prevent this, it is safer to avoid outdoor running on days when temperatures drop below freezing and to substitute with indoor treadmills. If running outdoors, it is advisable to first perform sufficient warm-up indoors to raise body temperature and heart rate before going outside. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing over functional innerwear that allows sweat to evaporate, and use a neck warmer, ear muffs, and gloves.
Especially before and after running, it is helpful to drink water or electrolyte drinks even if you are not thirsty. Running in a cold wave on an empty stomach increases the risk of hypoglycemia and dizziness, so it is advisable to consume a small amount of carbohydrates and protein beforehand.
If you feel dizzy while running, immediately reduce your speed, stop, lower your posture, and take a break. If the symptoms do not subside, stop training. If the same symptoms recur or intensify, you should identify the cause through an exercise stress test or cardiovascular examination.
