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hy do men in particular need to be judicious

of their health over age 50?

Dr. Mohammed Khalid responds: “In men over 50, in particular, there is

an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

A sign of diabetes is weight loss however partaking in regular exercise

and a healthy diet can help. Other problems in this age group may

include hyperthermia with symptoms that include headache and

dizziness but can be curtailed by regular exercise and diet. Also

arthritis is another potential problem and may include knee joint pain

as a symptom. Again partaking in regular exercise and a reduction in

weight can help. And renal problems could be the cause of fatigue and

weakness; however may this be curtailed with a control in blood sugar

alongside regular medical check-ups.”

I have been suffering from brief spells of

dizziness when I suddenly stand up. What is this a sign of

and how can I alleviate this?

Dr. Baljinder Singh responds: “Dizziness or light-headedness when

standing up occurs as a result of abnormal blood pressure regulation.

Normally, when people stand, gravity causes blood to pool in the veins

of the legs and trunk. This pooling lowers the blood pressure and the

amount of blood the heart pumps to the brain. Low blood flow to

the brain causes the dizziness and other symptoms. To compensate,

the nervous system quickly increases the heart rate and constricts

blood vessels, which rapidly returns blood pressure to normal before

symptoms can develop. The part of the nervous system responsible for

this compensation is the autonomic nervous system. Many disorders can

also cause problems with blood pressure regulation and lead to dizziness

when standing up. Categories of causes include a malfunction of the

autonomic nervous system due to disorders or drugs, a decreased ability

of the heart to pump blood, decreased blood volume (hypovolemia),

or faulty hormonal responses. Causes differ depending on whether

symptoms are new or have been present for some time.

Any causes are treated when possible, including changing or stopping

any causative drugs. However, many causes cannot be cured, and people

must take measures to decrease their symptoms. Measures include

lifestyle changes and medicines. In general, it is helpful to consume

adequate fluids, limit or avoid alcohol, and exercise regularly when

feasible. Regular exercise of modest intensity increases the muscle tone

in blood vessel walls, which reduces the pooling of blood in the legs.

Sleeping with the head of the bed raised may help relieve symptoms.

For some people, increasing salt intake may increase water retention and

lessen symptoms. Doctors may recommend that people increase their

salt intake by liberally salting food or taking sodium chloride tablets.

However, increasing salt intake may not be recommended for people

with heart disorders.”

Dr. Mohammed Khalid,

Specialist Internal Medicine

at GMC Hospital-Ajman

Dr. Baljinder Singh

General Practitioner,

Emergency

GMC Hospital-Ajman

Mar/Apr 2015