Orthostatic hypotension signs: what to know

Orthostatic hypotension is a fall in blood pressure when the body changes from lying or sitting to standing. The brain may briefly receive less blood flow, causing a floating feeling, dim or blurred vision, tiredness, nausea, or unsteadiness. Some people notice a racing heartbeat, while others may collapse briefly. Symptoms can be more noticeable after waking, during illness, after a hot shower, or when dehydrated.

Sit or lie down straight away, preferably with your legs raised, and wait until the feeling settles. Move from bed in stages: sit on the edge first, move your feet, then stand while holding a stable surface. Drink fluids unless a clinician has told you to restrict them, avoid sudden position changes, and record when symptoms occur and what you were doing. A GP can review medicines and check your blood pressure in different positions.

Arrange a medical assessment if episodes keep returning, cause a fall, or interfere with walking or daily activities. Seek urgent help for fainting with chest pain, severe breathlessness, a new irregular heartbeat, confusion, a serious injury, or symptoms that do not improve after lying down. Dizziness has many possible causes, so a pattern of symptoms deserves assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Ask whether your medicines, hydration, heart rhythm, blood count, or nervous system could be contributing. Bring a symptom record and ask how to measure blood pressure safely at home.