Locations:
SearchAdvertisement
The short answer from a cardiologist
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.
Advertisement
There’s not enough evidence to show that this supplement has any effect on muscle aches from cholesterol-lowering meds
Erythritol is found in a range of “diet,” “sugar-free” and “keto-friendly” foods — but research has linked it to heart attack and stroke
Although allulose is an FDA-approved sugar substitute, more research is needed to understand its safety
Studies show those who walk faster tend to have a lower risk of heart disease
Recognizing subtle symptoms, like cold sweats, stomach discomfort and nausea, could be the key to survival
Statin use has been associated with weight gain but the reasons aren’t clear — and the benefits of statins far outweigh the risks
Some statins have been shown to slightly increase your risk of diabetes — but that shouldn’t keep you from taking the medication you need
Research points to an association between the health of your gums and cardiovascular disease
If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help
If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style
If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods
