$Unique_ID{BRK00775}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is There Help for Dizziness After Standing Up?}
$Subject{blood pressure syncope dizzy dizziness circulatory brain swooning
orthostatic hypotension}
$Volume{G-1}
$Log{
Anatomy of Blood Pressure*0009501.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There Help for Dizziness After Standing Up?


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QUESTION:  If I have been sitting for a long time, or when I get up in the
morning, I become very dizzy and faint.  I don't actually pass out but I must
hold on to something before I feel sure enough on my feet to begin to move
around.  This has only started recently.  I would hate to continue the rest of
my life this way.  Is there something you know of that can help me?

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ANSWER:  The general medical term used to describe your condition is
"syncope".  Sometimes called "swooning" and akin to "fainting," this is a
common condition, and a frequent cause of concern.  It occurs when the flow of
blood, with its precious cargo of oxygen, is reduced suddenly, usually as a
result of an abrupt fall in the blood pressure.  When you rise suddenly after
a period of rest, the force of gravity pulls your blood down into your legs
and reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart, decreasing the blood
pressure and the amount of blood the heart can pump to the brain and other
parts of the body.  Without the needed supply of oxygen, the brain can not
function, the person faints and falls to the floor, which usually places the
head (and the brain) on a level with heart, and effectively restores the
balance of blood flow.  When blood pressure falls only when a person assumes
an erect position, from a sitting or reclining attitude, in may also be called
"orthostatic hypotension".  And that can result from a number of causes, but
especially as the result of certain medications.  Have you recently started a
new blood pressure medication, or a water pill (diuretic) for edema or leg
swelling?  In fact, have you started any new medication lately?  This would be
my first line of investigating your problem, and I think the odds are in favor
of finding there the reasons for your condition.  There are other reasons of
course, neurological disorders which must be considered, but they are less
common.  Until you do find the cause, you must learn to arise carefully, first
sitting up in bed for a while, then letting your feet dangle over the side of
the bed, before standing erect.  This slow pace will allow your heart to make
the changes necessary to keep your blood flowing to the brain, by increasing
the strength and speed of its beat.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.