Floating in water can feel wonderful.
However, for some people, the pleasant sensation quickly fades when they leave the swimming pool or lake and start to feel dizzy, even though everything seemed fine beforehand.
This dizziness can be explained by water pressure.
“It increases with water depth and pushes blood from lower body parts into upper regions,” says German Heart Foundation cardiologist Dr Felix Post.
When we leave the water, the body redistributes the blood.
What was previously pushed into the upper body and head now flows back to the legs and pelvis.
This redistribution can affect blood pressure, causing it to drop.
The body reacts by increasing the heart rate.
However, if this adjustment does not happen quickly enough, it can lead to short-term circulation problems, such as dizziness.
You do not have to do much to prevent this.
Just taking a bit more time when leaving the water is often enough.
“This prevents the blood from pooling abruptly and gives the heart more time to adjust the circulation,” says Dr Post.
Using the pool ladder is not the best option.
If it is the only choice, climbing out more slowly is advisable.
Ideally, leave the lake or pool by walking in the shallow area, he says.
You can take other measures to stabilise your circulation after swimming too.
Taking a few steps after swimming can help get your circulation going.
Adjusting your swimming style can also make a difference, as swimming in a horizontal position minimises the amount of blood pushed from the legs towards the chest.
For those engaging in aqua jogging or gymnastics, it is best to finish exercises in the water in as horizontal a position as possible, e.g. by using a pool noodle. – dpa
