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What Could Cause Frequent Lightheadedness And Leg Spasms While Standing Up Which Leads To A Sudden Fall In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Fri, 29 Sep 2023
Question: More and more frequently I am experiencing lightheadedness when I stand up. On two occasions my legs began to spasm and I suddenly fell to the ground unable to even put out my hands to block the fall. On other occasions the leg spasms began but I was able to hang on to a counter. In all cases I immediately return to normal. I am 75 w no other related illnesses that I can think of. I take 80 mg lipitor and 50/12.5mg losartan for high blood pressure.
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Answered by Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Looks like orthostatic hypotension

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome.
This is Dr. Sameer, Cardiologist.

The symptoms you are telling about lightheadedness upon a change of posture from lying to standing seems to fit into orthostatic hypotension.

In this BP falls when there is a change in position due to the accumulation of blood in lower limbs, causing lightheadedness. This is generally because of a fluid deficit in body & I'll advise you to keep yourself well hydrated.

Also, maintain a track of your blood pressure readings both in lying or sitting and in standing position. If the bp ranges are lower than I would suggest changing Losartan+hydrochlorothiazide (50+12.5) to plain Losartan 50mg.

These symptoms can also be because of some heart blocks. To rule that out, I'll suggest putting a Holter monitor (ECG monitoring for 24hrs).

I hope it was helpful to you.
Thanks and take care.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Dr. Dr Sameer Maheshwari

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 818 Questions

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What Could Cause Frequent Lightheadedness And Leg Spasms While Standing Up Which Leads To A Sudden Fall In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: Looks like orthostatic hypotension Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome. This is Dr. Sameer, Cardiologist. The symptoms you are telling about lightheadedness upon a change of posture from lying to standing seems to fit into orthostatic hypotension. In this BP falls when there is a change in position due to the accumulation of blood in lower limbs, causing lightheadedness. This is generally because of a fluid deficit in body & I'll advise you to keep yourself well hydrated. Also, maintain a track of your blood pressure readings both in lying or sitting and in standing position. If the bp ranges are lower than I would suggest changing Losartan+hydrochlorothiazide (50+12.5) to plain Losartan 50mg. These symptoms can also be because of some heart blocks. To rule that out, I'll suggest putting a Holter monitor (ECG monitoring for 24hrs). I hope it was helpful to you. Thanks and take care.