Why Do I Feel Dizzy When I Stand up Quickly?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 20th, 2026.
You feel dizzy when standing quickly due to orthostatic hypotension, a temporary drop in blood pressure. When you stand up rapidly, gravity pulls blood toward your legs, reducing blood flow to your brain momentarily. Your cardiovascular system normally compensates within 15-30 seconds by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels. However, this adjustment can be delayed, causing lightheadedness, dizziness, or brief vision changes. This affects up to 20% of adults and becomes more common with age, dehydration, certain medications, or underlying conditions like diabetes. The sensation typically resolves within a minute as your body restores proper blood circulation to your brain.
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