Why Do I Feel Dizzy When Standing Up Suddenly?

Feeling a bit dizzy when standing up suddenly?

Hello, doctor.
I was lying down using my phone and suddenly got up to help grab something, and I experienced sudden dizziness, unsteadiness, and slight blurriness in my vision.
I would like to ask what kind of condition this might indicate.
I was also a bit hungry at that moment, but I'm not sure if that has any relation.
I have occasionally experienced similar symptoms when standing up quickly, but this time it lasted about 5-10 seconds, which is a bit longer than before.
Usually, sitting down resolves it immediately.
I previously consulted an ENT specialist who said it was nothing to worry about, but I have a health check-up coming up and I'm wondering if I should ask a family medicine doctor about this issue.
Could this be related to a blood vessel rupture? I'm a bit concerned that it might be something serious.
Thank you.

H, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/28

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, this is not a vascular rupture but rather orthostatic hypotension, which refers to inadequate cardiovascular function leading to insufficient blood circulation to the brain when there is a sudden change in posture, such as standing up quickly from a seated position or sitting up suddenly from a prone position.
This can result in symptoms like dizziness and blurred vision for a short period.
Once the cardiovascular system adapts, these symptoms will resolve.
It is advisable to consult a neurologist to check for other potential issues related to dizziness, such as carotid artery stenosis or anemia.
If all tests are normal, the remaining recommendations are to engage in regular exercise, maintain a consistent routine, and manage stress to gradually strengthen cardiovascular function, which should lead to improvement.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2020/10/28

More Info

Feeling dizzy when standing up suddenly is a common experience known as orthostatic hypotension. This condition occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting. The dizziness you describe, especially after lying down or sitting for a while, can be attributed to several factors.

When you stand up quickly, gravity causes blood to pool in your legs, which can reduce the amount of blood returning to your heart and subsequently decrease blood flow to your brain. Normally, your body compensates for this by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate to maintain blood pressure. However, if this response is delayed or insufficient, you may experience dizziness or lightheadedness.

Several factors can contribute to this phenomenon:
1. Dehydration: If you are dehydrated, your blood volume may be lower, which can exacerbate the drop in blood pressure when you stand up. This can happen if you haven't consumed enough fluids, especially if you are hungry or have not eaten for a while.

2. Medications: Certain medications, particularly those that affect blood pressure, can lead to orthostatic hypotension. If you are taking any medications, it would be wise to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

3. Nutritional Factors: Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can also cause dizziness. If you were hungry when you stood up, this could have contributed to your symptoms.

4. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as anemia, diabetes, or neurological disorders can affect your body’s ability to regulate blood pressure. If you have any chronic health issues, it’s important to consider how they might be impacting your symptoms.

5. Age: Older adults are more prone to orthostatic hypotension due to age-related changes in blood pressure regulation.

Given that you mentioned this has happened before but seems to be occurring more frequently or with greater intensity, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider. A family medicine doctor or a neurologist can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include checking your blood pressure in different positions (lying down, sitting, and standing) and possibly conducting blood tests to rule out any underlying conditions.

In your case, since you also mentioned that you have been feeling hungry, it might be beneficial to ensure you are eating regular meals and staying hydrated. If you experience these symptoms frequently, it’s essential to keep track of when they occur and any associated factors, such as your diet, hydration status, and any medications you are taking.

In conclusion, while the symptoms you are experiencing are often benign and related to changes in blood pressure, it is always best to err on the side of caution. A healthcare professional can help determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. If you feel faint or dizzy, it’s advisable to sit or lie down until the feeling passes to prevent falls or injuries.

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