Feeling Dizzy or Heart Racing When Standing Up? Know Why and What to Do

Feeling dizzy or having a fast heart beat when you stand up can be worrying. This often happens when your blood pressure changes suddenly. It can be caused by not drinking enough water, some medicines, or other health problems. If this happens often, it is best to talk to a doctor.
By Newsroom | Health, Medicine |

Experiencing dizziness or a racing heart when standing up can be a disquieting bodily signal. This phenomenon, often linked to sudden shifts in blood pressure and circulation, prompts individuals to seek explanations and remedies. The underlying causes are varied, ranging from simple dehydration to more complex medical conditions, making a thorough understanding crucial for effective management and to rule out potentially serious health concerns.

Why you get dizzy or a racing heart when you stand up - and how to stop it, by DR ELLIE. The drugs and lifestyle changes that work, what to ask your doctor and the problems it can herald - 1

The Body's Response to Standing

When an individual stands, gravity causes blood to pool in the lower extremities. To counter this, the body typically initiates a series of responses: blood vessels constrict, and heart rate increases slightly to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain. However, if these adjustments are not efficient, blood pressure can drop, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting.

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Why you get dizzy or a racing heart when you stand up - and how to stop it, by DR ELLIE. The drugs and lifestyle changes that work, what to ask your doctor and the problems it can herald - 2

  • This blood pressure drop upon standing is formally known as orthostatic hypotension.

Contributing Factors to Dizziness When Standing

Several factors can disrupt the body's ability to regulate blood pressure upon standing, leading to symptoms.

Why you get dizzy or a racing heart when you stand up - and how to stop it, by DR ELLIE. The drugs and lifestyle changes that work, what to ask your doctor and the problems it can herald - 3

  • Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake reduces blood volume, making it harder for the body to maintain blood pressure. This is particularly common after periods of rest, like overnight.

  • Medications: Certain drugs, especially those designed to lower blood pressure or increase urination, can have dizziness as a side effect. The dosage or timing of these medications may require adjustment.

  • Age: As people age, their bodies may become less adept at managing these circulatory changes, increasing the likelihood of experiencing dizziness upon standing.

  • Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions such as anemia (low iron, impacting oxygen-carrying capacity of blood), cardiovascular disease, and even recent infections like COVID-19 can be associated with these symptoms.

Specific Conditions Linked to Dizziness and Racing Heart

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition where standing causes an excessive increase in heart rate, often accompanied by dizziness. In POTS, a significant portion of the blood remains in the lower body upon standing, prompting the heart to beat much faster to compensate. This can occur post-infection, including from COVID-19, which has been identified as a trigger for POTS in some individuals.

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Why you get dizzy or a racing heart when you stand up - and how to stop it, by DR ELLIE. The drugs and lifestyle changes that work, what to ask your doctor and the problems it can herald - 4

  • POTS is characterized by bothersome symptoms that specifically arise when standing upright.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While occasional dizziness upon standing might be attributed to temporary factors like dehydration, persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical evaluation.

  • Warning Signs: If dizziness is accompanied by loss of consciousness, falls, or a noticeable fluttering of the heart, consulting a doctor is paramount.

  • Diagnosis and Treatment: Healthcare providers can assess blood pressure in various positions (lying, sitting, standing) to diagnose orthostatic hypotension. They may also order blood tests to check for anemia.

  • Medication Review: Doctors can review current medications to determine if they contribute to the symptoms and adjust dosages or change prescriptions if necessary.

  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Staying hydrated, ensuring adequate salt intake (under medical guidance), and performing leg exercises before standing can help manage symptoms.

Expert Insights on Management

Medical professionals emphasize a patient-centered approach to managing dizziness upon standing.

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"If you are new to this kind of medication, you may find that in time your body becomes used to the new drug. Try to give it at least two or three weeks, but if you are noticing that you are not improving or feeling worse, let your doctor know so that they can review your starting dose." - Chloe MacArthur, as cited by the British Heart Foundation.

  • Patience is advised for new medications, with a recommendation to consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen after a few weeks.

Doctors can also explore non-pharmacological interventions. For those experiencing POTS, specialized physical therapy exercises designed to improve balance and circulation may be beneficial. In some cases, referral to long COVID clinics or other specialists might be necessary to identify the precise trigger for symptoms.

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"Your doctor may recommend standard blood pressure drugs, especially if you also have primary hypertension." - WebMD on Orthostatic Hypertension.

  • In cases where blood pressure rises abnormally after standing (orthostatic hypertension), standard blood pressure medications might be considered.

Conclusion

Dizziness and a racing heart upon standing are multifaceted symptoms with diverse origins. Understanding the interplay of hydration, medication, age, and underlying medical conditions is key. While simple lifestyle adjustments can often alleviate mild symptoms, persistent or concerning occurrences necessitate professional medical assessment. Prompt consultation with a healthcare provider allows for accurate diagnosis, whether it's a side effect of medication, dehydration, or a more complex condition like POTS, paving the way for effective treatment and improved well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do I feel dizzy when I stand up?
When you stand, blood can pool in your legs. Your body usually adjusts blood pressure, but sometimes it drops, making you feel dizzy. This can be from not drinking enough water or certain health issues.
Q: What is POTS?
POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. It's when your heart beats much faster when you stand up, and you might feel dizzy. This can happen after an infection, like COVID-19.
Q: When should I see a doctor about dizziness?
You should see a doctor if you often feel dizzy when standing, or if it is very bad. Also, see a doctor if you faint or feel your heart flutter a lot.
Q: Can medicines cause dizziness when standing?
Yes, some medicines, especially those for blood pressure or that make you urinate more, can cause dizziness. Talk to your doctor if you think your medicine is the problem.
Q: How can I help myself if I feel dizzy when standing?
Drink plenty of water and make sure you eat enough salt, but ask your doctor first. Doing leg exercises before standing can also help.