Low Blood Pressure Standing: Causes, Risks, and What to Do

When you stand up too fast and feel lightheaded, fuzzy, or like the room is spinning, you’re likely experiencing orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure that happens when standing up from sitting or lying down. Also known as postural hypotension, this isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s your body’s way of telling you something’s off with how it regulates blood flow. It’s not rare. About 20% of people over 65 get this at least once a week. But younger people can have it too, especially if they’re dehydrated, on certain meds, or have nerve issues.

This isn’t just about feeling woozy. low blood pressure standing, a condition where blood pressure falls more than 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic within 3 minutes of standing can lead to falls, injuries, and even fainting. It often ties into other health problems like diabetes, Parkinson’s, or heart conditions. Some medications—like those for high blood pressure, depression, or enlarged prostate—can make it worse. Even simple things like hot showers, long bed rest, or skipping meals can trigger it.

If you’ve had this happen more than once, it’s worth paying attention. Your body normally tightens blood vessels and speeds up your heart when you stand. If that system is slow or broken, blood pools in your legs and your brain doesn’t get enough. Simple fixes help: drink more water, stand up slowly, wear compression socks, and avoid standing still for long. Eating smaller meals can also help—large meals divert blood to your gut, making the drop worse.

You’ll find posts here that dig into how specific drugs affect your blood pressure when standing, what tests doctors use to diagnose this, and how lifestyle changes can make a real difference. Some articles talk about how older adults manage it daily. Others explain why certain supplements or herbs might help—or hurt. There’s no one-size-fits-all fix, but knowing what triggers your symptoms puts you in control. This collection gives you the facts, not the fluff, so you can spot patterns, talk smarter with your doctor, and take action before the next dizzy spell hits.