Why You May Feel Dizzy or Faint When Standing Up

Do you feel dizzy, faint, weak or nauseous standing up after sitting or lying down? Does this lightheadness go away if you sit or lie down again. You may have hypotension.

Hypotention is abnormally low blood pressure, lower than 90/60 mmHg. Treatment depends on the cause and how severe the signs and symptoms are.

Hypotension in a healthy person that does not cause other signs or symptoms, or in extreme cases, (medical emergency) shock, usually does not need to be treated. Many people with hypotension live normal, healthy lives.

If you have hypotension, it’s important to try and prevent or minimize symptoms, such as dizzy spells and fainting. Some of the steps you can take are:

  • drink plenty of fluids
  • drink little or no alcohol
  • use compression stockings
  • increase salt intake, if appropriate
  • eat small, low-carbohydrate meals
  • don’t stand for long periods of time
  • get up slowly after sitting or lying down
  • keep a record of blood pressure readings
  • get regular exercise, as appropriate for your state of health
  • learn to take your own blood pressure to find out what’s normal for you

A secondary dangerous effect is falling because of the dizziness or fainting. Take it easy.

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