Dizziness when standing may be related to a drop in blood pressure, but the symptom alone does not establish postural hypotension. A clinician needs the timing, associated symptoms, medicines and examination findings. A suitable home assessment can make that review more practical, especially where mobility is limited.
Prepared by The Wellness Team. Evidence checked 2 November 2026.
Ask about an individual home assessment
How is this different from ordinary vertigo?
People use dizzy to describe spinning, light-headedness, imbalance and a feeling of nearly fainting. Tell the clinician what you actually feel, how soon it starts after standing, how long it lasts and whether sitting or lying down helps. A label such as vertigo can send the investigation in the wrong direction if the main problem is almost blacking out.
Postural hypotension is a measurable blood-pressure response to a change in position. It is not diagnosed solely because someone feels tired, has one low seated reading or improves after a drink. Different causes can coexist, particularly in someone taking several medicines.
When should I seek urgent help?
Call 999 for chest pain, severe breathlessness, stroke symptoms, unconsciousness or another emergency. A blackout, injury from a fall, new neurological symptoms or persistent severe symptoms require prompt clinical assessment. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or have had a blackout.
A routine home booking should not delay urgent care. If symptoms are new or worsening, describe them when seeking advice rather than asking only for a blood-pressure check. The clinical question may require an ECG, blood tests or hospital assessment, not simply a different appointment location.
How is lying and standing blood pressure used?
A clinician can compare blood pressure and pulse in different positions using an appropriate protocol. Mayo Clinic describes a fall of 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic within a few minutes of standing as a diagnostic finding that needs interpretation in context. Symptoms and timing still matter.
Do not repeatedly provoke symptoms at home to try to meet a threshold. A person at risk of falling should not stand unsupported for a self-test. A normal seated reading does not answer the same question as a properly assessed postural change.
Discuss your priorities and the appropriate appointment. The team will confirm suitability, availability and the complete fee before booking.
What should I record before the appointment?
Note the time of each episode, what you were doing, recent meals, heat exposure, illness and any relation to medicine doses. Record a fall or near fall and whether there were palpitations, chest discomfort or loss of consciousness. Bring any existing blood-pressure readings without selecting only the lowest or highest values.
Have the full medicine list ready, including non-prescription products and recent dose changes. Explain fluid restrictions, heart or kidney conditions and swallowing difficulties. These details help the clinician avoid generic advice that might not be safe for you.
Why is a medicine review important?
Some medicines can contribute to postural symptoms, but the decision is a balance of their purpose, benefit and possible adverse effects. Mayo Clinic describes review of medicines as part of management where they contribute to low blood pressure. NICE includes lying and standing blood pressure and medication review in comprehensive falls assessment.
Do not omit tablets before the visit to produce a more reassuring reading. Ask which changes, if any, are appropriate, how they should be made and who will monitor symptoms afterwards. The answer may be a coordinated plan with the usual prescriber rather than an immediate change.
What can I do safely while waiting?
Move carefully and sit down if you feel faint. Avoid situations where an episode would be dangerous, such as climbing a ladder. Ask for help with mobility if needed. The clinician can advise on practical measures once the cause and your health conditions are understood.
Do not start a high-salt diet, force large amounts of fluid or buy a blood-pressure medicine on the basis of an online article. Salt, fluids, compression garments and medicines need individual consideration, especially with heart or kidney disease. The goal is fewer symptoms and safer function, not a single target number.
What should a premium home assessment include?
A well-organised visit brings clinical time, a proper examination, careful review of the available records and a clear plan together in the place where care is needed. Ask how findings will be documented, who will organise agreed tests or referrals and how questions after the visit will be handled. Where family members are involved, agree what may be shared with the patient's permission. Convenience has most value when the next step is clear.
For published London market context, consultant geriatrician Dr Pandora Wright lists a home Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment at £685. That is a specialist service with its own scope, not a like-for-like GP visit or a Wellness tariff. It illustrates why professional role, preparation, reporting and follow-up belong alongside the headline fee. The Wellness team confirms an individual quote for the service it can arrange, including any separately agreed investigations or follow-up. A GP assessment does not imply that a consultant geriatrician is attending.
How do I arrange the right visit in London?
Send the team the postcode, the person's age, a brief description of the concern and the timing you are hoping for. Explain any stairs, access needs or communication support. Do not send a complete medical record through an informal enquiry; ask for the appropriate secure route. The team needs to confirm the suitable clinician, location, timing and full fee, rather than treating an enquiry as a confirmed attendance.
Enquire about a personalised doctor home assessment. You can also call 020 3951 3429.
Sources and evidence limits
- Mayo Clinic: postural hypotension diagnosis and treatment
- NICE NG249: falls assessment including postural blood pressure
- Published London specialist home-assessment scope and fees
This is general information, not a diagnosis, prescription or individual clearance for a procedure. Sources inform the discussion but do not imply endorsement of this clinic. Appointments, investigations and fees must be confirmed for the individual enquiry.