What should you know about frequent orthostatic hypotension?

The change may happen after getting out of bed, rising from a chair, or standing after a meal. Dehydration, heat, illness, alcohol, prolonged bed rest, and some medicines can contribute. Conditions affecting the heart, blood vessels, nerves, or hormone balance may also be involved. Repeated dizziness is a symptom worth discussing, even if you have not fainted. See the guide to [Dizziness](/symptoms/dizziness/) for symptom detail.

Rise in stages: sit first, pause, then stand while holding a stable surface. Drink fluids regularly unless a clinician has told you to restrict them, avoid overheating, and sit or lie down as soon as symptoms start. Keep a note of the time, trigger, symptoms, medicines, and whether you fell. Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) for recurring episodes; assessment may include lying and standing blood-pressure checks and a medication review.

Seek urgent help if you faint, injure yourself, develop chest pain, severe breathlessness, a new irregular heartbeat, confusion, or sudden weakness or trouble speaking. Prompt medical advice is also sensible when episodes are becoming more frequent, happen without warning, or occur during exercise.

Ask whether any medicine or dose could be lowering your blood pressure, how to record readings safely, and whether you need tests for dehydration, anaemia, heart rhythm, or nerve-related causes.