What should you know about blood pressure orthostatic hypotension?

When you stand, gravity shifts blood towards your legs. The nervous system normally tightens blood vessels and adjusts the heart rate to keep blood flowing to the brain. If that response is delayed or weakened, pressure may fall. Dehydration, illness, prolonged bed rest, some medicines and conditions affecting nerves or the heart can contribute. Symptoms often appear after rising from bed or a chair and may improve when you sit or lie down.

Move in stages: sit on the edge of the bed, pause, then stand while holding a stable surface. Flex your ankles or march gently before getting up, avoid sudden bending, and sit down as soon as symptoms begin. Drink fluids according to your clinician’s advice, particularly during heat or illness, and review medicines with a professional rather than stopping them yourself. Keep pathways clear and use prescribed support aids correctly.

Get urgent help after fainting with injury, chest pain, severe breathlessness, a new one-sided weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking or confusion. Arrange a medical review for repeated episodes, falls, symptoms during exercise, or dizziness that does not settle after sitting. A clinician can compare readings lying and standing and look for medicines or illnesses contributing to the drop.

Ask whether your medicines, hydration plan or other health conditions could contribute, how to measure lying and standing readings, and whether you need an assessment of balance or heart rhythm.