Causes of Orthostatic Hypotension in Young Adults

When you stand, gravity draws blood toward the legs. The body normally tightens blood vessels and adjusts the heart rate to keep blood flowing to the brain. Dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, weakness, or fainting can occur when that adjustment is delayed. Heat, sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, not drinking enough, fasting, and recovery from illness can reduce circulating fluid. Some people also have an autonomic nervous-system condition, anaemia, or a heart rhythm problem. The pattern, triggers, and associated symptoms help a clinician separate these possibilities.

Rise in stages: sit first, pause, then stand while holding a stable surface. If symptoms start, sit or lie down and raise your legs if comfortable. Drink fluids regularly unless a clinician has told you to restrict them, and avoid overheating or standing still for long periods. Keep a record of episodes, meals, exercise, illness, medicines, and body position. A GP may compare blood pressure and pulse while lying and standing and review medicines or arrange further tests.

Seek emergency help after fainting with chest pain, breathlessness, a severe headache, injury, prolonged confusion, or a racing or irregular heartbeat. Arrange prompt medical review for repeated fainting, symptoms during exercise, new neurological changes, black stools, heavy bleeding, or worsening episodes. Avoid driving, heights, and machinery until the cause and safety plan are clear.

Ask whether your medicines, hydration, blood count, heart rhythm, or autonomic function could be contributing, and how to measure your pulse and blood pressure safely at home.