Why do I feel dizzy when I stand up suddenly after squatting for a while? Is this a disease or a normal phenomenon?

Most people have experienced this situation: after squatting for a long time, when they suddenly stand up, they feel dizzy, their legs and feet are numb, their vision becomes black or blurry, and sometimes they even feel dizzy. Some people think that they may have anemia or hypoglycemia, but is this really the case? First, let's understand anemia and hypoglycemia.

anemia

Anemia refers to a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, which results in insufficient oxygen to the body tissues, causing a series of symptoms. People with anemia usually have the following common symptoms:

1. If you squat on the ground for a long time and then stand up, you will feel dizzy and your eyes will go dark;

2. Feeling very tired and sleepy after light labor: Due to lack of oxygen in body tissues, people with anemia often feel tired and lack energy; Muscle weakness: Due to lack of oxygen, muscle tissues may become weak and easily fatigued;

3. The face lacks color, such as pale or dark yellow;

4. Increased heart rate: To compensate for lack of oxygen, the heart will increase its heart rate to pump more blood; Decreased appetite: Anemia may affect the digestive system and lead to decreased appetite;

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is caused by blood sugar falling below normal, which leads to certain system dysfunction. The main causes are excessive insulin, too little food intake or lack of nutrients. Common symptoms:

1. Tremor of hands, weakness of limbs, pale complexion, and sweating;

2. Panic, dizziness, hunger;

3. Darkness in front of eyes and blurry vision;

You can compare the above symptoms to infer whether you are anemic or hypoglycemic. If you want to know whether you are anemic or hypoglycemic, go to the hospital to check your blood routine and blood sugar. If you just feel dizzy and numb in your legs when you suddenly stand up after squatting for a long time, this symptom is called orthostatic hypotension or postural hypotension in medicine. Postural hypotension is one of the most common causes of dizziness. It is caused by changes in body position, such as suddenly turning from squatting to standing upright, or low blood pressure caused by insufficient blood supply to the brain caused by standing for a long time.

When we squat, if we want to stand up, we need the coordination and cooperation of various organs of the body. In addition to bones and muscles, the heart, blood vessels, nerves, etc. must also participate. When the human body squats, the waist and legs are bent, and the blood cannot flow up and down smoothly. If you stand up suddenly, the blood will flow down quickly, causing local ischemia in the upper body, and the brain will have a temporary lack of oxygen supply, especially ischemia in the head, causing temporary lack of blood supply to the brain and eyes, so dizziness, blackness in front of the eyes, and spinning.

Most postural hypotension is caused by autonomic dysfunction. Just be careful not to change your body position too quickly. No special treatment is needed. Some people with weaker bodies need to pay attention, especially the middle-aged and elderly who feel dizzy when they get up, stand up from the sofa, and go to the toilet. For people with high blood pressure, high blood pressure is not a direct cause, but it also has a certain impact, and medication needs to be adjusted appropriately.

If you squat or sit for a long time, do not stand up suddenly, and move slowly. When you experience dizziness and blacking out caused by orthostatic hypotension, do not panic. When the blood supply to the head is insufficient, the heart will receive the command and then work harder to immediately transport blood up. In a few seconds, we can return to normal. But if the dizziness is severe, it is recommended to squat back to the original posture to prevent falling due to dizziness and causing greater trauma. Wait until the dizziness gradually subsides, then stand up slowly.

How to prevent orthostatic hypotension?

1. When you squat down and stand up, stand up slowly, using auxiliary force, such as holding on to a table or chair before standing up.

2. Don't get up too quickly in the early morning. Stay in bed for a few minutes, do some light limb movements, and slowly change your body position.

3. Eat a balanced diet, get enough nutrition, avoid overeating or hunger, and do not drink alcohol.

4. Adhere to proper physical exercise, strengthen your physical fitness, and ensure adequate sleep time.

5. Avoid fatigue, standing for long periods of time, and squatting for long periods of time.