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Intermountain Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center

(801) 507-4701Map5121 S. Cottonwood StreetMurray, UT 84107

Dizziness includes the feeling of the room spinning, loss of balance, or light headedness, often associated with nausea. Feeling dizzy is uncomfortable, and the sensations can vary from person to person. Some people describe feeling light-headed or unsteady. Other people feel a sense that the room is spinning or moving, a sensation also called vertigo. Some people may lose their balance or feel nauseated. Dizziness can even make you feel weak and tired or make it difficult to concentrate.

What to Do

  • If you are experiencing repeated or extended dizziness, call your doctor for evaluation.
  • Sudden dizziness is a possible sign of a stroke. Call 911, and check the time. When did the first symptom start? You'll be asked this important question later.

Dizziness in Depth

Learn more about dizziness from Intermountain's Patient Education Library:

Common Causes

Dizziness can be caused by medication or by a wide variety of conditions, including inner ear problems and migraines. However, dizziness can also be a sign that the heart is not pumping enough blood because of blocked arteries, heart rhythm problems, or heart disease. If you are experiencing repeated or extended dizziness, call your doctor for evaluation.

  • Heart Failure

    Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

  • High Blood Pressure

    In high blood pressure, the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is too high. Over time, high blood pressure can damage the body in many ways.

  • Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmias)

    An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) is a problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.

  • Stroke

    A stroke, also called a brain attack, happens when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted. If you have any of these symptoms, take immediate action:

    • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg - especially on one side of the body.
    • Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding.
    • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
    • Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance, or coordination.
    • Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

    Call 911 and check the time. When did the first symptom start? You'll be asked this important question later.

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