When to worry about dizziness with low blood pressure

A temporary drop in blood pressure may reduce blood flow to the brain briefly. You may feel lightheaded, unsteady, weak, nauseated, or close to fainting, especially after standing, during illness, or after not drinking enough.

Sit or lie down immediately and raise your legs if comfortable. Loosen tight clothing, move away from heat, and take slow breaths. Once steady, rise gradually and note what you were doing, whether you had eaten or drunk fluids, and any medicines taken. Do not drive while dizzy.

Arrange medical advice if episodes keep returning, follow a medicine change, interfere with walking, or occur with a fall. Get emergency help for loss of consciousness, a severe headache, chest discomfort, trouble breathing, confusion, slurred speech, or weakness or numbness on one side.

Ask whether your medicines, hydration, heart rhythm, or another condition could be contributing, and how to measure blood pressure safely when lying and standing.