Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or feeling off-balance. It can also manifest as unsteadiness or lightheadedness, distinct from general dizziness. While inner ear issues are frequently associated with these sensations, heart problems can also contribute to vertigo symptoms. This article explores the connection between cardiac health and experiences of vertigo, highlighting mechanisms and specific conditions involved.
How Heart Problems Cause Vertigo
Heart problems can lead to vertigo by affecting oxygen-rich blood flow to the brain. The brain requires an adequate blood supply to function properly, especially for balance and spatial orientation. When the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, this supply is reduced.
Reduced cardiac output, a decrease in the heart’s pumping efficiency, means less blood reaches the brain, leading to dizziness and spinning. Conditions causing poor circulation or sudden blood pressure drops also diminish cerebral blood flow. These disruptions prevent the brain from receiving necessary oxygen and nutrients, resulting in vertigo.
Heart Conditions Linked to Vertigo
Several heart conditions can directly contribute to vertigo symptoms. Arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats, can cause vertigo because they disrupt the heart’s consistent pumping action. Both abnormally fast heart rates (tachycardia) and abnormally slow heart rates (bradycardia) can reduce blood flow to the brain, leading to dizziness or a spinning sensation.
Heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump enough blood, frequently causes vertigo due to reduced brain blood flow. Valvular heart disease, where heart valves do not function correctly, can similarly impede blood flow. For example, a narrowed aortic valve (aortic stenosis) restricts blood flow from the heart to the brain, leading to dizziness.
Orthostatic hypotension, characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing, is another cardiac-related cause of vertigo. This sudden reduction in blood pressure occurs because the body’s reflexes fail to adequately constrict blood vessels, leading to blood pooling in the legs and insufficient return to the heart and brain. This condition is common in older adults and can cause lightheadedness or vertigo that improves when sitting or lying down.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Vertigo
While vertigo can stem from various sources, certain accompanying symptoms suggest a potential heart-related cause requiring prompt medical evaluation. If vertigo occurs alongside chest pain, it could signal a serious cardiac event. Shortness of breath, especially when combined with a spinning sensation, is another symptom prompting immediate attention.
Palpitations, which are irregular or rapid heartbeats, occurring with vertigo may indicate an underlying heart rhythm issue. Fainting spells, also known as syncope or presyncope (feeling like you might faint), are concerning when associated with vertigo, as they can signify reductions in brain blood flow. Unexplained fatigue that accompanies vertigo symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional, as it can be an indicator of reduced cardiac function.
Investigating and Addressing Heart-Related Vertigo
When heart problems are suspected as the cause of vertigo, healthcare providers conduct diagnostic tests to assess cardiac function. An electrocardiogram (EKG) records the heart’s electrical activity and identifies rhythm abnormalities. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart’s structure and pumping function, helping to detect issues like heart failure or valvular disease.
A Holter monitor, a portable device worn for at least 24 hours, continuously records heart rhythms to catch intermittent arrhythmias that might not appear during a brief EKG. Blood pressure monitoring, including orthostatic measurements (taken while lying, sitting, and standing), helps identify conditions like orthostatic hypotension. In some cases, a tilt table test may be performed to observe blood pressure and heart rate changes in response to positional changes.
Management of heart-related vertigo involves treating the underlying cardiac condition. This could include medications to regulate heart rhythm, improve pumping efficiency, or manage blood pressure. Lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary changes, regular physical activity, and avoiding triggers, can support symptom alleviation.