What Causes Syncope While Standing Up Very Fast?

Posted on Thu, 10 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 Answered on

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I was sitting on my couch normally and all was well until I stood up. When I was all the way up I got a headrush so bad that I blacked out and fell down. It's been about 30 minutes now and I still can't stand without the Same thing happening. What could this be? I'm 20 years old 165lbs.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice....

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

What has happened to you is syncope (faint) due to standing up to fast from a sitting down position.

However, if you were my patient I would recommend to go immediately to ER to exclude any life threatening cause of the syncope. I would suggest doing the following examinations:
- blood work
- ecg
- cardiac echo
- holter monitoring

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar