What should you know about positional orthostatic hypotension?

When you stand, gravity pulls blood towards your legs. The body normally tightens blood vessels and adjusts the heart rate to maintain blood flow to the brain. If that response is too slow or reduced, you may feel light-headed, weak, blurred in vision or unsteady. Dehydration, illness, heat, prolonged bed rest and some medicines can contribute. Heart, nerve or hormone conditions may also be involved, so repeated episodes deserve assessment.

Rise in stages: sit on the edge of the bed, move your feet, then stand while holding a stable surface. Drink fluids if your clinician says this is suitable, avoid standing still for long periods, and sit or lie down as soon as symptoms begin. Review medicines with a clinician rather than changing them yourself. Keeping a record of triggers, timing and any fainting can help identify the cause.

Call emergency services for fainting with chest pain, severe breathlessness, a fast or irregular heartbeat, seizure-like movements, serious injury or difficulty speaking. Seek prompt care for repeated fainting, new neurological symptoms, black stools, heavy bleeding or symptoms that occur during exercise.

Ask whether your blood pressure should be checked lying and standing, whether a medicine or illness may be contributing, and what fluid or salt advice fits your health. Ask how to prevent falls and when you need review.