Orthostatic hypotension may be mild and last for a short duration only. However, cases of long-lasting orthostatic hypotension can indicate that there is a more serious problem, so it is vital to see your doctor if you recurrently feel lightheaded while standing up.
Signs and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension
The two most common symptoms that you feel are lightheadedness or dizziness when you stand up after lying down or sitting down.
These symptoms usually last for a short period only, other symptoms include:
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy after standing up
- Blurry vision
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Confusion
The two most common symptoms that you feel are lightheadedness or dizziness when you stand up after lying down or sitting down. - Nausea
When do I see a doctor?
Cases of occasional dizziness may be minor only, usually brought about by a mild case of dehydration, overheating or low blood sugar. The feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness may also happen when you stand after sitting for a long time. If these symptoms appear only occasionally, there’s likely no cause for alarm.
If you suffer from frequent symptoms of orthostatic hypotension, you should see your doctor immediately as they can indicate that there is a serious problem.
What are the causes?
- Dehydration – not drinking enough fluids can cause your body to behave abnormally
- Heart-related problems – people who have certain heart conditions which can cause the blood pressure levels to decrease may include additional symptoms like significantly low heart rate, heart valve issues, heart attack and possibly heart failure. Medical conditions like these prevent your body from reacting fast enough to pump more blood when standing up.
Complications
- Fainting can cause you to fall down unexpectedly and may result in injury.
- The constant changes in blood pressure while standing and siting in your body as an outcome of orthostatic hypotension can be a risk factor for a stroke due to the reduced blood supply to the brain.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthostatic_hypotension
https://www.medicinenet.com/orthostatic_hypotension/article.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orthostatic-hypotension/symptoms-causes/syc-20352548