Locations:
Search IconSearch

When I Stand Up Suddenly, I Feel Dizzy — Should I Worry?

The short answer from a cardiologist

woman experiencing dizziness while outside

Q: When I stand up suddenly, I feel dizzy. Should I worry?

A: When you stand up, the effects of gravity on your body can cause your blood to settle or pool in the veins in your lower body. Normally your body has a number of immediate responses that helps protect against this drop in your blood pressure. If any of these responses are off or slow to happen, the result is that your blood pressure in your brain drops which causes you to feel dizzy.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Being careful when changing position suddenly, such as bending over and standing up or standing from seated position can help. If the episode is severe, like you feel like you will pass out or if the dizziness doesn’t pass quickly, sit or lie down right away.

Be particularly careful when getting up from bed. Sit on the edge of the bed for a couple seconds before standing and take a couple seconds before you start walking to give your body a chance to respond. Similarly, use caution in the morning or after prolonged periods or lying down, when getting up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, after large meals and after hot showers.

Many things can affect how you regulate your blood pressure when you stand. Things such as age, medications, medical problems, dehydration, and even deconditioning can be associated with postural dizziness. If this is happening often, see your doctor.

— Cardiologist Jeffery Courson, DO

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Dizzy patient sitting on exam table in medical office, talking to healthcare provider
January 27, 2025/Ear, Nose & Throat
Vertigo vs. Dizziness: How To Tell Them Apart

While similar, one may make you feel lightheaded, while the other can cause a spinning sensation

woman suffering from dizziness
July 13, 2022/Heart Health
Can High Blood Pressure Make You Feel Dizzy?

Dizziness typically falls into two categories

A dizzy person sits up in bed and braces their head for relief.
June 8, 2022/Primary Care
6 Reasons Why You Wake Up Dizzy

Mornings can be hard enough without feeling dizzy, too

Dizzy when stand up too fast
August 18, 2020/Exercise & Fitness
Why You Get Dizzy When You Stand Up Quickly or Exercise

Understanding dizzy spells, what causes them and how to exercise if you get them

Person with furrowed brow, standing by window with their hand on their chest, taking a breath
September 9, 2025/Heart Health
How To Stop Your Heart Palpitations at Home

If you don’t have other symptoms, try using relaxation techniques and vagal maneuvers to calm your heart down

Older person sitting on couch, cringing, with hand on chest
September 5, 2025/Heart Health
How Is Aortic Stenosis Different From Other Valve Diseases?

All heart valve diseases affect your heart’s valves, but there are some differences between symptoms, risk factors and how they can impact your health

Older man in swimming pool, stretching
September 5, 2025/Heart Health
How To Exercise With Aortic Stenosis

Moderate-intensity exercise, like walking, cycling and swimming, is typically recommended

Older person doing light exercise
September 5, 2025/Heart Health
Aortic Stenosis: How Fast Does It Progress?

The heart condition can advance at different rates, and typically can be classified as mild, moderate or severe

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad