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What Causes Dizziness When I Bend Over?

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Posted on Thu, 24 Jul 2014
Question: i am a 72 year old male. Recently I have been feeling dizzy when I bend over. My blood pressure is 101/69 & my pulse was 98. What could be happening?
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Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Prrobably orthostatic hypotension!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this dizziness each time you bend over.

Depending on the position of our body, the heart adapts its pumping force(blood pressure) and/or rate(pulse). When we change positions rapidly, the heart has to adjust rapidly as well to make sure it maintains the blood pressure constant. However, there are circumstances where this fails to happen and there is a transient drop in blood pressure which results in a drop in the amount of blood supply to the brain. This manifest with symptoms of dizziness. This is probably what you experienced. This is also more common with age. IT does not really represent a potentially dangerous scenario unless the symptoms become very concerning.

I will like that you monitor your blood pressure in the sitting position and the immediate upright positions and report the changes to me. This would be helpful in orienting the possible cause of this feeling.

For now, avoid changing positions rapidly, especially from a flat to upright and sitting positions as this is often the provoking factor. Do it slowly and ensure that the transition is smooth.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarification if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (19 hours later)
Thank you!! I took my blood presure standing first 120/83 & pulse 111. Then sitting 123/80 & pulse 95. Did it a second time 108/74 standng & pule 106. Sitting 125/79 & pulse 89. I take Cardia 240 mg xt / 1 daily. Levothyroxine .112mg/ 1 daily & Metformin 850 mg twice daily. Dizziness mostly when I get in bed and when bend over from standing or even hold my head down and close eyes.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks!

Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed this information fully.

The difference between your BP in the upright and suiting position is not too striking but needs to be evaluated by a professional for correct interpretation. the discrepancy between the two measurements means something is not being respected to the letter. The increase in your pulse clearly suggest that the blood pressure drops upon standing and increased pulse is the immediate compensatory mechanism. There is really no magical pill that can control this!

For now, avoid positions that provoke this. Like I mentioned before, always try to transition from one position to another slowly to avoid rapid changes in blood pressure and perceived positioning of the body.

I hope this helps. I wish you well.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What Causes Dizziness When I Bend Over?

Brief Answer: Prrobably orthostatic hypotension! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this dizziness each time you bend over. Depending on the position of our body, the heart adapts its pumping force(blood pressure) and/or rate(pulse). When we change positions rapidly, the heart has to adjust rapidly as well to make sure it maintains the blood pressure constant. However, there are circumstances where this fails to happen and there is a transient drop in blood pressure which results in a drop in the amount of blood supply to the brain. This manifest with symptoms of dizziness. This is probably what you experienced. This is also more common with age. IT does not really represent a potentially dangerous scenario unless the symptoms become very concerning. I will like that you monitor your blood pressure in the sitting position and the immediate upright positions and report the changes to me. This would be helpful in orienting the possible cause of this feeling. For now, avoid changing positions rapidly, especially from a flat to upright and sitting positions as this is often the provoking factor. Do it slowly and ensure that the transition is smooth. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarification if need be.