Dizziness after running: what to know

During a run, your muscles need more blood and your body loses fluid through sweat. Stopping suddenly can briefly change blood return to the heart, causing lightheadedness. Heat, inadequate drinking, an empty stomach or overexertion can add to the effect. Spinning, palpitations, chest discomfort or breathlessness point to a different pattern and should not be dismissed as ordinary fatigue.

Repeated episodes may need a review for anaemia, an irregular rhythm, low blood sugar, dehydration or a balance disorder. Note pace, weather, food, fluids and the exact moment symptoms began.

Slow to a walk before stopping when possible, then sit or lie in a cool place. Sip water and have a snack containing carbohydrate if you have not eaten and can swallow normally. Replace sweaty clothing, avoid driving and do not resume the run until you feel fully steady. Increase training gradually rather than pushing through repeated dizziness.

Call emergency services for chest pain, severe breathlessness, collapse, confusion, seizure, a new neurological change or a heartbeat that is very fast or irregular and does not settle. Arrange medical advice for recurrent dizziness, symptoms during rather than after exertion, or an episode that persists after cooling, food and fluids.

Ask whether your training load, hydration plan, medicines or meal timing could contribute, and whether you need heart rhythm or blood testing. Describe whether you felt faint or the room spun, and whether symptoms occurred in heat, on hills or at a particular intensity.