Most of us have experienced dizziness and vision blackout upon standing up. This is a common occurrence, not overly serious. However, if it persists and happens too frequently, it could be a warning sign that you are facing some serious health issues. So what causes dizziness and vision blackout upon changing positions? How can you remedy this situation?
Causes of dizziness when standing up
Dizziness and vision blackout upon standing up is a common occurrence in many people. This condition can happen at any age and gender, but it is more prevalent in middle-aged individuals and women. Scientific research indicates that there are various reasons leading to the sensation of dizziness and vision blackout when sitting or standing up, which can include:
- Rapid changes in posture can cause the heart to struggle to adjust blood circulation, resulting in a momentary drop in blood pressure, leading to a feeling of dizziness and vision blackout.
- For adolescents, anemia due to iron deficiency is a likely cause. Iron is an essential mineral that influences various functions in the body, including the synthesis of the hemoglobin pigment, which transports oxygen in the blood, providing energy for cellular activities. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.
- In the elderly, limited physical activity, combined with chronic conditions such as high or low blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, or arterial blockage, can impede proper blood circulation. This can result in dizziness and vision blackout upon standing up.
Dizziness and blurred vision upon standing up is a common phenomenon experienced by many people.
What is the condition of dizziness upon standing up?
The sensation of dizziness and vision blackout upon standing up is not an uncommon occurrence, but if it happens too frequently, it can significantly affect your daily life and health. In fact, it can be a sign that you are suffering from a certain serious condition, such as:
Anemia
Individuals with anemia may feel dizzy when transitioning from sitting to standing too quickly. Normally, blood is pumped from the heart to various organs in the body. When you stand up, blood from the legs must counteract gravity to reach the heart.
If you stand up too quickly from a sitting position, the heart may not be able to adjust to the additional blood pumping, causing a rapid drop in blood pressure. Not only that, the reduced blood flow also leads to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, resulting in decreased cognitive function. All of these can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, vision blackout, lightheadedness, and nausea.
Postural hypotension
Dizziness and vision blackout upon standing up can also be caused by postural hypotension. This phenomenon occurs when a person suddenly changes position too abruptly. During this time, the individual may experience symptoms such as vision blackout, dizziness, nausea, etc. Some cases may resolve within a few seconds, while others may experience fainting due to a significant drop in blood pressure.
The causes of dizziness upon standing up in this case include anemia, dehydration, heart disease, aging, and more. Among these causes, some can increase the risk of developing blood clots, leading to a stroke.
For middle-aged individuals, postural hypotension can also lead to dangerous consequences such as falls, fainting, or injuries. In such cases, it is advisable to minimize sudden posture changes and instead perform movements slowly and steadily.
Vestibular disorders
Dizziness and vision blackout upon standing up, or dizziness upon waking up, sometimes stem from vestibular disorders. This is a common condition characterized by symptoms such as vision blackout, dizziness, headaches, lightheadedness, and sudden loss of balance when standing up abruptly.
Dizziness and blurred vision upon standing up sometimes also stem from vestibular disorders.
The vestibular system plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s balance. Vestibular disorders occur when patients are regularly subjected to stress and tension in their work and life. When experiencing vestibular disorders, patients are prone to imbalance and posture issues, leading to dizziness. Moreover, individuals with this condition are at a higher risk of suffering from strokes.
Cervical spondylosis
Maintaining an incorrect sitting posture for an extended period can easily lead to cervical spondylosis. At this point, patients may experience pain from the neck to the head or from the neck to the shoulders. Initially, patients may only feel slight dizziness upon standing up, but if left untreated, it can disrupt blood circulation, leading to weakness and numbness in the arms.
Cardiovascular disease
All heart conditions can cause dizziness when standing up or sitting down. This affects the process of supplying oxygen and blood to the brain. In addition to symptoms like vision blackout and dizziness, these individuals may also experience excessive sweating, headaches, ringing in the ears, rapid heartbeat, and increased palpitations.
Respiratory disorders
Respiratory disorders such as lung congestion, pulmonary edema, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can all cause dizziness when standing up. This is because the body does not receive sufficient oxygen, and the respiratory system does not function properly.
Read more: Dizziness After Eating: Causes and Treatments
Ways to address dizziness upon standing
In general, dizziness when standing up is not a specific disease but rather a symptom caused by various underlying conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a specialist to accurately determine the root cause of this phenomenon. Only then can you find the best treatment solution.
Drinking plenty of water helps reduce dizziness and blurred vision.
In addition to medication prescribed by a doctor, here are some effective home remedies to help alleviate dizziness when standing up:
- At the moment of dizziness, stand or sit still, close your eyes, and find a point to hold onto for balance. Doing so not only prevents the risk of falling but also allows blood to reach the heart and brain.
- Before standing up, if you are lying down, tilt your body and gently sit up for about 10 seconds before standing up slowly. This helps the body to rest and adapt to the new position. It allows for better blood circulation and minimizes the risk of dizziness when sitting or standing up suddenly.
- Drink plenty of water; for adults, it’s advisable to drink at least 2 liters of water per day for better blood circulation. When drinking water, take small sips, avoiding excessive intake at once. Hydrating will help prevent decreased oxygen supply to the brain cells, reducing the risk of sudden dizziness when changing positions.
- If dizziness when standing up is accompanied by fatigue, weakness, difficulty changing position on one leg, severe headaches, nausea, be cautious. The causes of these symptoms could be related to heart problems, nervous system issues, or metabolic functions. In such cases, it is essential to visit the hospital as soon as possible to identify the cause and find effective treatment to prevent adverse health effects.
- Include foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tangerines, strawberries, tomatoes, guavas, mangoes, pineapples, papayas, and broccoli to help the body absorb iron better and prevent dizziness when sitting or standing up.
- Choose foods high in iron and zinc such as black sesame, lentils, cereals, and bread to supplement the body with more blood.
- Supplement with more vitamin B6 from foods such as cereals, chicken, pork, various beans, bananas, walnuts, salmon, tuna, peanut butter, kale, and avocados. This is an essential nutrient for health, helping the body synthesize proteins and metabolize blood cells. Additionally, vitamin B6 stimulates the nervous and immune systems, making them more efficient.
- Limit the use of stimulants such as cigarettes, alcohol, tea, coffee, etc. These types can affect the body’s ability to absorb iron, leading to dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Undergo a general examination to see if you are anemic. This provides you with information to adjust your diet and lifestyle accordingly.
Most cases of dizziness when standing up are not too dangerous. However, if you are middle-aged or have a history of blood pressure or heart disease, it’s still advisable to see a doctor for examination and find the cause of the illness. This way, you can receive timely treatment and avoid future health effects.
John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.
