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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThe most common symptom of orthostatic hypotension is feeling lightheaded or dizzy when you stand up after sitting or lying down. This feeling, and other symptoms, usually happens shortly after standing up and generally only lasts a few seconds. Orthostatic hypotension symptoms include:
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy after standing up
- Blurry vision
- Weakness
- Fainting (syncope)
- Confusion
- Nausea
When to see a doctor
Occasional dizziness or lightheadedness may be relatively minor — the result of mild dehydration, low blood sugar, or too much time in the sun or a hot tub, for example. Dizziness or lightheadedness may also happen when you stand after sitting for a long time, such as in a lecture, concert or church. If these symptoms happen only occasionally, it's usually not cause for concern.
It's important to see your doctor if you experience frequent symptoms of orthostatic hypotension because they sometimes can point to more-serious problems. It can be helpful to keep a record of your symptoms, when they occur, how long they lasted and what you were doing at the time. If these occur at times that may endanger you or others, discuss this with your doctor.
- Orthostatic hypotension. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/print/sec07/ch069/ch069d.html. Accessed May 13, 2011.
- Hypotension. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hyp/hyp_all.html. Accessed May 13, 2011.
- Kaufmann H, et al. Mechanisms, causes, and evaluation of orthostatic and postprandial hypotension. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 13, 2011.
- Low blood pressure. The American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure...re_UCM_301785_Article.jsp. Accessed May 13, 2011.
- Bradley JG, et al. Orthostatic hypotension. American Family Physician. 2003;68:2393.
- Low PA, et al. Management of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: An update. Lancet Neurology. 2008;7:451.
- Kaufmann H, et al. Treatment of orthostatic and postprandial hypotension. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 13, 2011.
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