Dizziness on standing can result from a blood pressure drop, but other causes are possible. Recurrent episodes need assessment, particularly after fainting, falls or a medicine change. One low reading does not explain the whole problem.
What is orthostatic hypotension?
It means blood pressure falls on moving to a standing position. Healthcare staff can compare blood pressure and pulse in different positions. A routine seated measurement may therefore miss what happens when you stand.
Describe whether your vision darkens, the room spins or you feel about to faint. Record how quickly it starts and whether sitting helps. These details guide assessment; they do not establish a diagnosis by themselves.
A safe symptom record
| Record | Question to answer |
|---|---|
| Situation | From bed, a chair or after standing for a long time? |
| Timing | Immediately on rising or later? |
| Course | How long does it last and what helps? |
| Risk and changes | Falls, fainting, fever, fluid loss or a new medicine dose? |
What can you do while seeking advice?
Sit or lie down if you feel about to faint. Rise in stages and use support, particularly at night. Do not perform a standing blood pressure test alone if you could fall.
Drink adequately, while following any prescribed fluid restriction. Large increases in salt or fluid are not suitable general treatment. Advice must also fit any heart or kidney condition.
Review medicines with healthcare staff
Some medicines can contribute to blood pressure drops. Bring a complete list and explain dose changes. Do not reduce or skip blood pressure medicine yourself. Ask for a plan for any adjustment and how symptoms and readings will be followed.
When to get help in Sweden
Contact a vårdcentral, a primary care centre, for recurrent symptoms, falls or fainting. Call 1177 for sudden severe dizziness or feeling about to faint. Call 112 for dizziness with chest pain, severe breathlessness, speech difficulty or one-sided weakness, or if someone remains unconscious. Do not assume these symptoms are simply low blood pressure.
Sources and further reading
- 1177: Lågt blodtryck (in Swedish)
- Janusinfo: Ompröva behandling med läkemedel som kan orsaka ortostatism (in Swedish)
- 1177: Yrsel (in Swedish)
Sources and links checked on 22 October 2026. Editorial team: Hagakliniken. General information; individual assessment may differ.