Is dizziness when standing up dangerous?
Dizziness, blurred vision, loss of balance - have you ever wondered why you feel one or more of these symptoms when you get up from a seat or out of bed?
If the dizziness gets worse instead of better after standing up, it may be time to talk to your doctor.
In most cases, the dizziness will subside within a few seconds. And in these cases, fortunately, the feeling is nothing to worry about.
“The heart is like a pump, and when you stand up suddenly, the amount of blood going to the heart is reduced,” explains Phillip Low, MD, professor of neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. “This can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, and it takes a short time for the regulatory mechanisms to kick in and correct it.”
In medicine, this is called orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure that returns to normal. If you experience this short delay occasionally, it may have a specific cause that is easily corrected.
For example, it could be a sign that you are not eating enough food or not drinking enough water. Skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar, while not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which slows blood circulation. Other causes include exercise, heat exhaustion, pregnancy, alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep.
However, you may need to see a doctor if the dizziness is frequent and does not subside, meaning if the dizziness actually gets worse when you stand for long periods of time.
“This suggests that blood pressure is reduced and not restored,” said Dr. Christopher Gibbons, an instructor of neurology at Harvard Medical School.
Orthostatic hypotension becomes more common with age, Dr. Gibbons says, with 5 to 10 percent of older adults developing the condition at some point after age 60. Studies have linked orthostatic hypotension to an increased risk of falls and fractures in middle-aged adults.
If the room seems to be spinning, you may have another problem – an inner ear condition called vertigo. This can be caused by an ear infection or a head injury and will require medical attention.
And another sign of serious illness? If you also lose consciousness after standing up, even if only for a few seconds. A medical evaluation is needed to look for any underlying disorders involving the heart, nervous system, or endocrine system.
Many patients find that their medications (either directly lowering blood pressure or having side effects that lower blood pressure) are the culprit. In these cases, it is important to consult a physician to change the dosage or explore alternatives. Never stop taking a medication without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to other serious complications.
