SYMPTOM
Lightheadedness or unsteadiness you get when you stand up quickly is often your body's response to gravity.
For general awareness only. This is not medical advice. If symptoms are severe or persistent, consult a healthcare professional.
Showing 8 causes
Dehydration
Inadequate fluid reduces your blood volume. This leads to less blood being pumped to your brain when you stand.
Medication side effect
Some drugs for may interfere with your body's ability to regulate blood flow. This could cause a drop in blood pressure when you stand.
Vasovagal syncope onset
Your body overreacts to a trigger like standing, causing a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. This temporarily reduces blood flow to your brain.
Anemia
Fewer healthy red blood cells lead to impaired oxygen delivery to your tissues and muscles. Your body struggles to maintain blood pressure when standing, which may cause lightheadedness.
Post-meal (psotprandial) hypotension
After eating, blood flow increases to your gut to aid digestion. If your body can't compensate by increasing blood flow elsewhere, so pressure may drop when you stand.
Parkinson's disease tremor
This neurological disorder affects dopamine-producing neurons, which impacts autonomic functions like blood pressure control. Standing up could trigger a significant drop in pressure.
Adrenal insufficiency
Your adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, which help regulate salt, water, and blood pressure. This could lead to low blood pressure, especially when standing.
Diabetes neuropathy
High blood sugar over time could damage nerves, including those controlling blood pressure. This autonomic neuropathy makes it hard for your body to adjust blood flow when you stand.