The common drug making you feel dizzy – plus 4 other causes, the sinister signs & when to dial 999

WE all get that light-headed feeling when we get up too quickly. Most of the time it’s harmless. But would you know when a bout of dizziness is something you must get medical attention for? Frequent dizziness shouldn’t be ignored as it could indicate a health problem Credit: Getty Dizziness when you stand up happens because gravity causes blood to pool briefly in the legs and lower body Credit: Getty If it happens regularly, it might point to something else going on inside your body. Dr Natasha Fernando, Medical Director at Medichecks tells Sun Health: “When you stand up suddenly, gravity causes blood to pool briefly in the legs. “In a healthy system, your heart and blood vessels compensate almost instantly by increasing heart rate and tightening blood vessels to maintain blood flow to the brain. “When this is delayed or insufficient, the brain temporarily receives less blood and oxygen, and you feel dizzy, like you might faint.” But, frequent dizziness shouldn’t be ignored as it could indicate one of these problems… It’s low blood pressure Low blood pressure is one of the most common causes of dizziness Credit: Getty DIZZINESS could be low blood pressure – condition in itself or a symptom of other conditions. “[It could be] Parkinson’s or heart issues, or be the result of taking certain medications,” says Dr Samantha Wild, Women’s Health Clinical Lead, Bupa Health Clinics. “Lifestyle can also lead to lower blood pressure, such as being dehydrated, drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs, being too hot or too cold.”It can strike at any age, but it’s more likely once you reach 50. You might also feel sick and have blurry vision. If you’re aged between 40 to 74 years old, you should have your blood pressure checked at least once every five years as part of the free NHS Health Check. Dr Wild adds that most of the time, low blood pressure doesn’t need any treatment, and can be managed by increasing fluid and salt intake, wearing compression socks and eating small but regular meals. It’s your hay fever tablets It is possible that certain medications can cause you to be lightheaded Credit: Getty SOME medications can contribute to light-headedness. Common examples include blood pressure medications such as diuretics and beta-blockers, some antidepressants, and medications that cause dehydration or vasodilation, says Anthony Freestone, St John Ambulance’s Associate Clinical Director. Sedatives, sleeping tablets and some antihistamines can also cause dizziness. “These medications can sometimes lower blood pressure too much when standing, leading to dizzy symptoms,” he says. “If symptoms occur, patients should not stop medication abruptly but should speak to their GP.” It’s dehydration Dehydration can also cause dizziness so the NHS recommends adults drink 1.5 to 2.5 litres of fluid a day Credit: Getty IF your fluid intake is low, the volume of blood circulating around your body drops. “With less blood volume, your blood pressure can fall, especially when you stand up, meaning less blood reaches the brain briefly, which can trigger lightheadedness or even fainting,” says Dr Wild. The NHS says adults should drink between 1.5 and 2.5 litres each day, depending on your lifestyle, and no-sugar drinks including tea and coffee count. Even mild dehydration, which can cause thirst and a headache, can be enough to cause dizziness. “This is particularly true if you’re hot, have been exercising, have had alcohol or are prone to low blood pressure,” says Dr Wild. If you’ve been vomiting or had diarrhoea, then your chances of dehydration are higher too. “A simple way to gauge hydration is to look at your urine: pale straw-coloured usually suggests you’re well hydrated,” says Dr Wild. It’s low iron If a blood test detects low iron, you may be told to eat more iron-rich foods like red meat Credit: Getty EVER consider your iron levels? “Iron plays a crucial role in helping your blood carry oxygen around the body,” says Dr Wild. “If your iron levels are low, less oxygen reaches these tissues, which can leave you feeling tired, weak, short of breath, dizzy or lightheaded.” These are the symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia. “Women are more likely to experience low iron levels,” says Dr Wild. “When periods are especially heavy or last a long time, the body may lose more iron than it can replace through diet, which raises the chance of feeling dizzy.” If a blood test detects low iron, you may be told to eat more iron-rich foods like red meat, beans, lentils and leafy green vegetables such as spinach. “Improve iron absorption by including vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron sources and/or take iron supplements if advised by a health professional,” adds Dr Wild. It’s your blood sugar Skipping meals or leaving long gaps between eating causes blood sugar levels to drop Credit: Getty CHANGES in blood sugar levels can cause dizziness. It’s more common in people with diabetes, especially if meals are missed, alcohol is drunk or medication doses are not balanced with food intake. “Blood sugar can contribute to light-headedness, particularly when levels drop too low,” says Anthony. “Equally, very high blood sugar in people with undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes can cause dizziness, blurred vision and dehydration,” adds Dr Fernando. To keep blood sugars rising and dropping fast, Anthony says: “Eat regularly and keep meals balanced by including complex carbohydrates (such as brown rice, oats and wholemeal bread) and protein (such as meat, fish, eggs, tofu).” Reduce high-sugar, ultra-processed foods, which can cause big spikes in blood sugar. If you are diabetic and feel dizzy, check your blood glucose level and follow your management plan, says Dr Fernando. WHEN TO CALL 999 SOMETIMES your dizzy spells require urgent help. Dr Fernando says: “If you experience a loss of consciousness, especially with no warning or recovery that is slow, chest pain or tightness alongside dizziness, sudden severe headache described as the worst of your life, weakness or numbness down one side of the face or body, slurred speech or confusion, palpitations with a very fast, slow or irregular heartbeat, and/or dizziness after a head injury call 999 or visit A&E.” She adds that it could be an underlying problem such as a heart rhythm problem (arrhythmias) or heart failure. Stop dizziness in its tracks WHEN dizziness strikes, sit down and use the muscle-clenching hack. “You can encourage your blood pressure to rise by drinking water and clenching your bum and tummy muscles,” says Dr Wild. This acts a little like a muscle ‘pump’, helping push blood back towards the heart and supporting circulation. “Cross your thighs and make tight fists too,” says Dr Wild. If you feel dizzy while standing, cross your legs like scissors.