Dizziness when standing up
Overview
Dizziness when standing up, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is a sudden feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness that occurs when transitioning from sitting or lying down to a standing position. This symptom happens when blood pressure drops temporarily, causing reduced blood flow to the brain and resulting in feelings of faintness or spinning sensations.
Common Causes
This commonly occurs when blood pressure drops temporarily as you change positions, causing less blood to reach your brain momentarily. Dehydration, certain medications, prolonged bed rest, or simply standing up too quickly can trigger this response. It's also more frequent in older adults, during hot weather, or when you haven't eaten or had enough fluids throughout the day.
Severity Levels
Mild: You may notice brief lightheadedness that lasts only a few seconds when standing up and resolves quickly on its own. This occasional dizziness doesn't interfere with your daily activities.
Moderate: You experience more frequent episodes of dizziness when standing that may last longer and sometimes require you to sit back down or hold onto something for support. These episodes may occur multiple times per day and can affect your confidence in moving around.
Severe: You have intense dizziness or near-fainting episodes every time you stand up, often requiring immediate support to prevent falling. These episodes significantly impact your ability to perform normal activities and may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or vision changes.
Medical Attention
Contact your healthcare provider if episodes become frequent, severe, or are accompanied by fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience falls, loss of consciousness, or if the dizziness persists for more than a few minutes after standing. It's also important to consult a doctor if this symptom develops suddenly or interferes with your daily activities and mobility.
4k+ Collection Centres
90k+ Biomarkers Tested
Early Detection