5/8/2007
If you go to a doctor with complaints of being dizzy, you will probably be asked to describe the nature of your dizziness. Do you feel lightheaded? Or is the world spinning around you? Lightheadedness is a sign that the brain is not getting enough blood–usually because of a sudden but temporary drop in blood pressure or because you’re dehydrated. Many older persons feel dizzy when they rise suddenly from the bed or chair. The solution is to pause a few seconds before starting to walk. Then drink a full glass of water. If the dizziness is due to a more serious problem such as a heart attack or stroke, you’ll probably have other symptoms such as chest pain, a racing heart or loss of speech or vision.
Are you in need of a heart check-up? St. John’s can help with our traveling CV risk assessment program. We offer our cardiovascular risk assessment test for just $99 at several locations in the four states. It provides five tests for your heart, and an evaluation with one of our nurse practitioners. Our next session is set for this Friday, May 11th in Columbus, Kansas. For more information or to register, call St. John’s Referral One at 625-2000 or log onto stj.com.
