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Why Do I Feel Dizzy When I Stand Up? Postural Hypotension Explained

  • Writer: Ben Proctor
    Ben Proctor
  • Feb 13
  • 2 min read


What is Postural Drop?


Postural hypotension (orthostatic hypotension) is a drop in blood pressure when standing, causing light-headedness or feeling faint.


Why It Happens


When you stand:


  • blood drops toward your legs

  • brain briefly gets less blood

  • oxygen supply falls

  • dizziness occurs


Normally your body adjusts instantly. If it doesn’t, symptoms appear.


Symptoms


  • Light-headedness on standing

  • Blurred vision

  • Feeling faint

  • Improves when sitting or lying


Key difference from vertigo:No spinning sensation.


Causes


  • Dehydration

  • Certain medications

  • Illness

  • Long bed rest

  • Autonomic nervous system problems


Diagnosis


It is very important to raise these symptoms with your GP and get them investigated. They are a very common cause for falling in senior people, and these symptoms are more common than people realise.

Measured with lying, sitting and standing blood pressure readings. A drop ≥20 mmHg systolic confirms diagnosis according to clinical practice guidance used across the NHS.


Treatment

Speak with your GP to rule out a medical or medication cause.


Lifestyle Options


✔ Drink more fluids✔ Stand up slowly✔ Increase salt (if medically safe)✔ Avoid long standing


Physical Strategies


  • Ankle pumps before standing

  • Pausing before walking away from you bed or chair, sitting down if you notice symptoms

  • Leg strengthening

  • Compression stockings


Why It Matters


Postural drop is a major contributor to falls, especially in older adults, because dizziness occurs during movement transitions.


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