Some people may experience dizziness when standing up after lying down or sitting for an extended period. This lightheadedness, or blurry vision, experts said, is a form of low blood pressure, also called orthostatic hypotension or postural hypotension. “Gravity causes blood to pool in the legs. When a person stands up, it reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart. So, this sudden drop in blood flow can momentarily lower blood pressure, a condition that is known as orthostatic hypotension,” explained Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant, internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel Mumbai.
To compensate, the heart beats faster and blood vessels constrict to maintain proper circulation.
Dr Narander Singla, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi said, “However, in cases of orthostatic hypotension, this response is delayed or insufficient, leading to a temporary drop in blood pressure.”
“This is commonly seen in older adults, dehydrated people, or those taking certain medications,” added Dr Agarwal.
Apart from lightheadedness and blurry vision, other symptoms include weakness or even fainting. “When blood pressure drops suddenly, the brain receives less blood and oxygen, resulting in a range of symptoms. Individuals may experience dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, general weakness or fatigue, nausea, and, in more severe cases, fainting (syncope). These symptoms typically appear shortly after standing and may resolve once the person sits or lies back down,” said Dr Singla.
However, in most healthy individuals, the body quickly adjusts by narrowing blood vessels and increasing heart rate to maintain steady blood flow to the brain, informed Dr Aniket Mule, consultant, internal medicine, KIMS Hospitals, Thane.
Drink enough water (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
If someone experiences this frequently, it’s essential to consult a doctor, experts advise. While such episodes, occasionally, may be due to lengthy rest or dehydration, chronic orthostatic hypotension, experts point out, is usually a sign of another health problem, so treatment has to be individualised. “Losing consciousness, even for just a few seconds, is serious and needs to be examined promptly,” said Dr Agarwal.
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Staying hydrated and standing up slowly can help prevent these sudden drops in pressure, said Dr Agarwal. Dr Mule concurred and shared that managing underlying causes under clinical guidance can help avoid sudden drops in blood pressure.
Wearing compression garments, such as stockings or sleeves, can help prevent blood from pooling in the legs, Dr Singla said. “Making dietary changes, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding large or heavy meals, can also help. Lastly, regular exercise improves overall circulation and cardiovascular function, reducing the severity of symptoms over time,” said Dr Singla.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.