How can you prevent orthostatic hypotension?

Orthostatic hypotension is a fall in blood pressure when you move from lying or sitting to standing. Blood may briefly pool in the legs before the body adjusts, causing light-headedness, blurred vision, weakness or fainting. Dehydration, illness, heat, prolonged bed rest and some medicines can make the adjustment harder. The pattern may be intermittent, so note what you were doing, how quickly you stood and whether you had eaten or drunk recently.

Pause at the edge of the bed before standing, move your ankles, and rise slowly while holding a stable surface. Drink fluids regularly unless a clinician has told you to restrict them. Avoid standing still for long periods, overheating and sudden movements; gentle leg-muscle tightening can help while you wait. Smaller meals may help some people who feel faint after eating. Do not stop or change prescribed medicine without advice, but take a list of medicines and supplements to a GP consultation. If dizziness occurs, sit or lie down promptly and avoid driving until the cause is clearer.

Arrange medical advice if episodes keep returning, interfere with daily activities, or lead to a fall. Seek urgent help for fainting with chest pain, severe breathlessness, a new irregular heartbeat, weakness on one side, trouble speaking, severe headache or an injury. A clinician can check blood pressure lying and standing, review medicines and look for dehydration, anaemia or another cause. See [Dizziness](/symptoms/dizziness/) for related symptom information.

Could any of my medicines or health conditions be lowering my blood pressure? Should I measure it at home in different positions? How much fluid is suitable for me, and what should I do if I faint?