Common causes of orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension, also called postural hypotension, happens when blood pressure falls after moving from lying or sitting to standing. The change can cause light-headedness, blurred vision, weakness, nausea, or a feeling that you may faint. Dehydration from sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, or poor fluid intake can reduce the circulating fluid available to the body. Blood-pressure medicines, diuretics, some medicines for mood or sleep, and medicines that widen blood vessels can contribute. Prolonged bed rest, heat, alcohol, and some nervous-system or heart conditions may also affect the body’s response.

Rise in stages: sit on the edge of the bed, move your feet, then stand while holding a stable surface. If symptoms begin, sit or lie down promptly. Drink fluids unless a clinician has told you to restrict them, avoid sudden heat exposure, and keep walkways clear to reduce falls. Record when symptoms occur, your position, meals, fluids, and medicines. Do not change a prescribed dose on your own. A GP Consultation can review medicines, measure blood pressure in different positions, and look for a contributing illness.

Seek urgent help if you faint, injure yourself in a fall, develop chest pain, severe breathlessness, new confusion, or a fast or irregular heartbeat with marked weakness. Arrange medical review for repeated episodes, symptoms that are worsening, or dizziness that prevents safe walking. Sudden symptoms after significant fluid loss also deserve prompt advice. Dizziness has many causes, so the timing around standing and the presence of other symptoms are useful details.

Ask: Could any of my medicines or recent illness be contributing? How should I measure blood pressure at home? Should I change fluids, meals, or activity? What should I do if I feel close to fainting?