mkoven Posted August 1, 2008 Report Share Posted August 1, 2008 I've discovered that if I squeeze my ab muscles really hard when I'm feeling faint or having chest pain from low bp, I feel better--like it stops the blood from pooling? The muscles I use are the same ones in pilates--suck in your gut like you're putting on a tight pair of pants, or pull your navel to your spine. Just thought I'd share. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle F. Posted August 2, 2008 Report Share Posted August 2, 2008 Wow! I'll really have to remember to try this! Thanks!Michelle F. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summer Posted August 2, 2008 Report Share Posted August 2, 2008 I'm sure I have read that some people with severe orthostatic hypotension wear pressure garments to help them function including abdomenal binders to decrease pooling in the abdomen. Your countermaneuver makes sense, I'm sure it works! Neat discovery! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firewatcher Posted August 2, 2008 Report Share Posted August 2, 2008 My husband is an ex-military flight instructor, and this sounds like a maneuver that he taught all his students against G-force blackouts. He would describe it as a straining maneuver (like going to the bathroom.) If it works for them, it should work for us. Just for kicks, take your blood pressure right after you do one of those (unless you have high blood pressure) it should shoot up. I've done it a couple times when I felt lightheaded, but I have never passed out...yet.Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momofsara Posted August 2, 2008 Report Share Posted August 2, 2008 Thanks for the tip, I will pass it on to Sara.... Hope it helps.. Thanks again, Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firewatcher Posted August 24, 2008 Report Share Posted August 24, 2008 Howdy! I just came across this article on faint counter-maneuvers and how they work:http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/full/99/5/1697Good luck! I hope they work for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 These maneuvers work. If I squeeze my leg muscles or lean forward while I'm wearing a heart rate monitor, I can see my pulse drop in real time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelissaCrystal Posted August 29, 2008 Report Share Posted August 29, 2008 I have no muscle so this is hard for me, but what I do is just RUN to the kitchen or wherever when I need something and hurry back to sitting, and I'm usually able to 'beat' the presyncope symptoms. My heart beats kind of fast for a few minutes but that's better than blacking out or getting nauseous. Or what I do is stay low while rushing wherever I need to go, and the blood doesn't escape my head as easily. Btw I don't recommend any of this to anyone else, just sharing how silly I am so that you guys can get a visual of my daily routines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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