Dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)

Overview

Older adults and blood pressure pills raise risk.

Blood pressure drops when you stand because blood pools in the legs.

Dehydration, heat, alcohol, and some medicines make it worse.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Dizzy when standing up
• Dizzy or lightheaded when standing up
• Feeling faint or about to pass out

Less common

• Blurry vision
• Fainting
• Feeling faint after meals

Look up a symptom: Blurry vision · Dizziness

When to get medical care

Causes

Dehydration, medicines.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older age

Possible complications

• Falls

Diagnosis

Blood pressure lying then standing.

Treatment

Prevent drops.

Self-care

• Stand up slowly
• Drink fluids
• Avoid hot showers
• Review medicines

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Stay hydrated
• Stand up slowly

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a cardiologist (heart doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Older adults: Higher risk of falls.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Usually improves with fluids and medicine changes.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Could my blood pressure pills cause this?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)