HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Fainting Feeling While Standing?

Posted on Mon, 25 May 2015

Question: For the past 4 days Ive had this faint feeling only when standing. When I sit and lay down I feel better. So the past few days all I have done is lie in bed. I have not fainted just have felt very faint off and on. Im going to the doctor this week. What should I do in the meantime? Is it because of lack of blood flow?

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Postural hypotension or nutrional deficiency

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear
I had gone through your question very diligently and I can understand your concern.

Fainting on standing up can be related to postural hypotension or nutritional deficiency like anaemia. When you stand up, blood pooling occurs in lower extremities which cause less blood to reach heart and brain. This causes giddiness or fainting.

As such you are visiting your doctor in next week, so you need not to be panic. Untill that time, please follow these guidelines.
- Stand up very slowly with some support initially
- Move your fingers and squeeze calf muscles while standing up
- Have plenty of fluids like lemon water with salt and sugar
- Have fruit juices and fresh fruits as a whole.

When you visit your doctor ask him/her to record your blood pressure and blood tests like hemoglobin and blood count may be needed.
I would like to know if you are taking any medicines?

Hope this helps you
Thanks for your question, please feel free to ask for more clarification I will be happy to help you
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (6 hours later)

Its not nutritional deficency. I thought it was low blood sugar or something so I have been eating a lot and drinking a lot of water. It did not help. All I can do is lay down. Its very scary and uncomfortable to stand up especially for long periods. I doubt its anemia ive had my blood drawn several months ago and they did not say anything about me being anemic. I guess that could have changed though.What causes postural hypotension? How is it cured?

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please consider these guidelines

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for your reply
Postural hypotension can be caused to
low blood volume or anaemia
dehydration
Pooling of blood in lower exterimities due to gravity
Vitamin B 12 deficiency
Drug abuse
Prolonged bed rest

You can use compression bandages and taking all precautions as I advised in my previous answer
Have multivitamin supplements
Have lots of fruits and vegetables
Exercise regularly to increase muscle tone

Hope this answers your question
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (39 minutes later)

Im not dehydrated. I do not abuse drugs. I eat very well and pretty healthy. I stopped exercising recently because I felt faint. How can I exercise if I feel like i might faint? I do not take any medications. Im wondering if this could be caused by something to do with the heart. Ihave had some heart flutters in the past.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This could be physiological postural hypotension

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear
Thanks for your reply
Since you are going to doctor nest week so need not to worry till that time
You can use compression bandage and be careful while standing up or walking
Whenever you go to doctor, discuss it in details
I would advise you foe recording of blood pressure and a battery of tests like blood for hemoglobin, CBC, liver and thyroid function test and an EKG

meanwhile please follow the guidelines I have advised in previous answers.

Thanks for using our services.
Wish you good health

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj