Orthostatic hypotension: Why do we get dizzy when we stand up too fast?

It's happened to all of us. After sitting or lying down, we have the good idea to get up to do productive things, like get a beer from the fridge or open the door for the pizza guy.

And then a strange thing happens: our body, as if it has been knocked out, suddenly feels heavy, our head feels light, and a feeling of dizziness takes us by surprise. In severe cases, getting up too fast can even cause us to faint. But what is the origin of this disorder?

Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotensionis the scientific name for this cardiovascular disorder. According to The Women's Journal, it describes 'a decrease in blood pressure when moving from a lying or sitting position to a standing position.'

This condition can be caused by several factors: the use of drugs such as alpha-blockers, massive vomiting, bleeding, heart failure, dehydration or... a very large meal!

So don't panic at the sight of all these scary words, orthostatic hypotension can be totally benign and does not necessarily mean that you have a serious disease. But if the symptoms are frequent, it is still important to go see a doctor.

Read more:

⋙ Motion sickness: This is why you don’t feel too well when travelling

⋙ Do you wake up with a blocked nose? Here are 3 reasons why this could be happening

⋙ After suddenly fainting from internal bleeding his dog saved his life

What can you do to avoid this condition?

If your orthostatic hypotension is not due to a chronic health problem, there are ways to avoid getting dizzy when you stand up too quickly. The first thing to do is to stay hydrated throughout the day (not just to prevent low blood pressure).

Wearing compression socks can also help, as can keeping your head elevated while lying in bed. One of the best ways to combat low blood pressure, however, is to engage in regular physical activity to build up your heart muscle.

This article was translated from Gentside FR.