What causes recurring dizziness on standing up?
Patient: I suffer from dizziness and loss of balance every time I bend over or squat. The dizziness occurs when I stand up. In the morning, getting out of bed causes the same thing. I took my blood pressure when I first wake up. It is normal. I exercise my hands, arms and legs before I get up. My BP stays normal. But when I stand, it goes down and my heart accelerates and I get very dizzy. What kind of doctor do I need? Doctor: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.The way you describe your symptoms it seems like a case of orthostatic hypotension (excessive fall in blood pressure when you change to an upright position). If it was a case of separate rare episodes it might be normal but since you describe the episodes as happening every time the cause must be looked into.The possible causes could be many. If you are taking certain drugs (like antidepressives, antihypertensives) it could be a side effect of theirs.Otherwise a complete blood count and routine biochemical tests would be the first step in my opinion (to rule out diabetes, electrolyte changes, anemia etc).Regarding the specialist since the possible causes are many, belonging to different specialties being checked by a general practitioner or an internist would be wise. If I had to pick a more specific specialty than since cardiovascular causes are the most frequent ones I would say a cardiologist.Hope to have been of some help. Feel free to ask further questions.