What causes intense lightheadedness and feeling like you're going to pass out with pulmonary hypertension?
Feeling like you're going to pass out happens when your brain isn't getting enough oxygen-rich blood. In pulmonary hypertension, your heart struggles to pump blood through your lungs effectively, which means less Show Full Answer
What causes intense lightheadedness and feeling like you're going to pass out with pulmonary hypertension?
Feeling like you're going to pass out happens when your brain isn't getting enough oxygen-rich blood. In pulmonary hypertension, your heart struggles to pump blood through your lungs effectively, which means less oxygenated blood circulates to your brain and body.
This can happen during physical activity because your heart and lungs have to work even harder during exercise. However, some people experience these symptoms even when sitting or resting, especially as the condition progresses.
Several specific triggers can make dizziness and near-fainting worse:
- Standing up too quickly
- Skipping meals
- Exercising in hot weather
- Breathing too fast
Some medications used to treat pulmonary hypertension can also cause increased dizziness and lightheadedness as a side effect.
If you're experiencing severe dizziness or actually fainting, it's important to contact your doctor right away. Fainting can be a sign of advancing pulmonary hypertension and can be dangerous if it happens while driving or in situations where falling could cause injury.
Your doctor may adjust your medications, recommend physical therapy, or suggest avoiding certain activities to help manage these symptoms.
October 25, 2025