Orthostatic Hypotension: Causes, Risks, and What You Can Do

When you stand up too fast and feel lightheaded, dizzy, or like the room is spinning, you might be experiencing orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. Also known as postural hypotension, it’s not just an annoyance—it’s your body’s way of telling you something’s off with how it regulates blood flow. This isn’t normal aging. It’s a signal, and ignoring it can lead to falls, injuries, or worse.

Low blood pressure, when it drops too quickly after standing is the core issue. But what makes it drop? Common triggers include dehydration, when your blood volume falls too low to maintain pressure, or medications like isosorbide mononitrate, a nitrate used for angina that can widen blood vessels too much. Even simple things—like standing after a hot shower, sitting too long, or skipping meals—can trigger it. Older adults are more at risk, but it’s not rare in younger people taking certain drugs, including beta-blockers or antidepressants.

It’s not just about feeling faint. Repeated drops in blood pressure can strain your heart, reduce blood flow to your brain, and increase fall risk. If you’ve had more than one episode, it’s worth checking what’s causing it. Are you drinking enough water? Are you on a medication that could be the culprit? Could it be linked to nerve damage from diabetes, Parkinson’s, or even long-term bed rest?

You’ll find real-world insights in the posts below—how certain drugs affect your blood pressure, what lifestyle changes help, and how conditions like AERD or heart disease tie into this. No fluff. Just clear, practical info from people who’ve been there.