Dizziness, blurred vision or even fainting when standing up after a period of sitting or lying down is not an uncommon symptom. According to medical experts, this may be a sign of a condition called standing low blood pressure, when blood pressure drops suddenly due to a change in posture.
Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, an internist at Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai, explains: When standing up, the force of attraction causes blood to accumulate in the legs, reducing blood flow back to the heart. This sudden drop in blood flow can lead to temporary decreased blood pressure.
To compensate, the body will react by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels to maintain blood flow to the brain. However, in some people, especially the elderly, people with dehydration or taking certain medications, this mechanism is ineffective, leading to obvious symptoms.
Common signs include: dizziness, blurred vision, muscle weakness, nausea, body fatigue or even fainting.
When blood pressure drops suddenly, the brain receives less oxygen, causing a series of uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms often appear immediately after standing up and improve when the patient is sitting or lying down, says Dr. Narander Singla (1birla CK Hospital, Delhi).
For healthy people, the body often adjusts itself in a short time. However, if this condition occurs frequently, experts recommend that medical examination should be performed to rule out underlying causes such as vegetable neuropathy or cardiovascular disease.
Simple measures that can help reduce the risk include: staying hydrated, standing up slowly, wearing light clothes such as socks to prevent blood stagnation in your feet. In addition, Dr. Singla also suggests: Eat small, frequent meals instead of eating too much, combined with regular exercise to improve circulation and cardiovascular health.
Losing consciousness, even for just a few seconds, is a warning signal that needs to be handled promptly. According to Dr. Agarwal, any abnormalities should be personalized in treatment, especially if this condition affects daily activities.
