Orthostatic dizziness: what you should know

Gravity briefly shifts blood toward the legs when you stand. The heart and blood vessels usually compensate, but dehydration, heat, low blood sugar, anaemia, some medicines, or a heart rhythm problem can make the adjustment less effective. The sensation may include blurred vision, weakness, unsteadiness, or a racing heartbeat. It is different from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which is typically a spinning sensation triggered by head movement.

A clinician may ask when the feeling begins, whether you actually faint, what you have eaten and drunk, and which medicines or supplements you use. Blood pressure and pulse can be checked while lying down and after standing, alongside other tests guided by your symptoms.

Sit or lie down immediately if you feel faint, and avoid walking until your balance returns. Rise in stages: move from lying to sitting, pause, then stand while holding a stable surface. Drink fluids regularly unless a clinician has advised fluid restriction, and take extra care in hot settings. Do not change prescribed medicines or use salt products to treat this yourself.

Keep a brief record of the time, trigger, duration, associated symptoms, food and fluids, and any blood-pressure readings. This can help distinguish a one-off episode from a recurring pattern. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can both contribute to symptoms, while anaemia or iron-deficiency anaemia may need specific assessment.

Arrange medical advice if episodes recur, cause a fall, interfere with daily activities, or occur with palpitations, breathlessness, unusual fatigue, or vomiting. Seek emergency help for fainting with chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, a new irregular heartbeat, severe confusion, one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, or a sudden severe headache. These symptoms can signal a serious heart or brain problem and should not be judged by dizziness alone.

Ask whether your blood pressure changes on standing, whether a medicine or health condition could be contributing, and which tests are appropriate. Discuss what fluid and activity advice fits your health, how to reduce fall risk, and what symptoms should prompt urgent review.