Why Do I Feel Faint When I Stand Up?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Feeling faint when standing up can be a symptom of orthostatic hypotension, which is a measurable drop in blood pressure after standing. This happens when your cardiovascular system can't quickly adjust to gravity's pull on blood pooling in your legs. Dehydration is one possible cause. Orthostatic hypotension is more common in older adults, but estimates vary depending on the population and how it is measured. Other triggers include certain medications (especially blood pressure drugs), prolonged bed rest, or underlying conditions like diabetes. The faintness typically occurs within 3 minutes of standing and may include dizziness, weakness, or blurred vision. Standing slowly and staying adequately hydrated may help. Ask a clinician whether compression stockings are appropriate for you. Seek medical care for repeated episodes or actual fainting, and get urgent help if symptoms occur with chest pain, trouble breathing, a severe headache, new weakness, or a fast or irregular heartbeat.
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