Does this sound familiar to you? No matter what your age, it is common for people to feel a little lightheaded and even faint after standing too long, or just sitting for a while, then jumping up too quickly. Here is why.
"When blood pools away from the heart, then blood pressure drops quite quickly. Then people first begin to feel lightheaded and then they pass out very shortly thereafter," says Cardiologist Brent Muhlestein, M.D.
No matter how it happens, a Netherland study released by the American Heart Association suggests a simple exercise might actually prevent most fainting spells. When you feel you are about to faint, cross your legs and tighten the muscles in your legs and rear end. Researchers say relief comes in 30 second or less.
"What you do is increase the contraction of your muscles in your lower extremities which allows blood to be pumped from your legs up to your heart," says Dr. Muhlestein.
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