Deadlift 538 then I passout

[mikeinmadrid]

I came across this video on Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=VjEhUbrufKk

What would cause this to happen?

[Mark Rippetoe]

An incorrect approach to breathing, I assume. This is vasovagal syncope, and it's normally associated with a bar on the throat. I've never blacked out after a pull that didn't end in the rack position, so I have no idea what he did to cause this.

[Jonathon Sullivan]

This is indeed so-called vasovagal syncope. Deadlift syncope is probably due to Bezold-Jarisch reflex. The cardiovascular system mounts a big increase in heart rate, contractily and SVR to to deal with a stressor, and then overcompensates for this overcompensation with a profound drop in HR, contractility and vasomotor tone. Nighty-night.

Glad you're okay.

I love syncope:

http://www.screencast.com/t/1yCbowvKH

[mikeinmadrid]

It's interesting. The guy faints for some unknown reason. A few of things I take from it :

(1) Working inside a power rack might not always be the best idea. If you fall, stumble or faint its best to have as few hard objects to fall onto as possible.
(2) I hate to think what would happen if this guy was bench pressing when this happened (supports my view that one should never lie down underneath a heavy loaded barbell. Just my opinion, I know most people love the bench press)
(3) Training at home alone (like I do) may not be such a great idea if something weird like this happens.

[Mark Rippetoe]

But as I said, I've never seen it happen on a deadlift, and I've seen a helluva lot of deadlifts. Never heard of it on a bench or squat, and I've only experienced it myself after a clean or during a press.

[jkw]

Interestingly the only videos regarding lifting and fainting I've happened to come across on the internets (3 in total) were deadlifts followed by fainting.

[lionheartck]

I had a 345 Deadlift PR yesterday and had my vision tunnel and felt like I was on the verge of passing out. I grabbed the upright on the power rack and made it through. That video freaks me out though. You can see him glaze over for a few seconds.

[Michael Loucas]

But as I said, I've never seen it happen on a deadlift, and I've seen a helluva lot of deadlifts. Never heard of it on a bench or squat, and I've only experienced it myself after a clean or during a press.

I've gotten lightheaded on deadlift and press before, but never to the point of passing out.

Also, this is funny and related. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8RcDb_wZfQ

Don't scream after a deadlift.

[osv2]

I came across this video on Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=VjEhUbrufKk

What would cause this to happen?

Just do not stand up immediately and fast after heavy DL. Do an easy breath or two with your hands still on the bar. Then inhale while you are standing up slowly. This usually helps.

Alternatively, don't use straps not to DL that much ;-)

In fact, when I was child, we did this intentionally. As far as I remember, you squat and do a lot of fast deep breathing in the bottom position. Then you inhale, keep your breath and try to exhale hard, not allowing air to come out, for a few seconds, then you stand-up and let all the air come out fast. Works even better if you stand with your back to a wall and somebody pushes your chest during this last exhale. Why we did it? Recovery from pass-out is quite an interesting feeling :-)

[tallison]

I love syncope:

http://www.screencast.com/t/1yCbowvKH

Ack, Doc! I was absolutely loving this video, but it cuts out at 12:38 and nothing I try will make it play beyond that. Does DRH have a responsive IT dept, by any chance?