 [ Symptoms ] aside from atherosclerosis what are the other causes of peripheral vascular diseases [ Disease ] i am sorry you experienced this it sounds scary the good news is people usually do not just drop dead suddenly in the manner you describe i wonder if you mean you felt light headed when you got out of bed this is not uncommon it can be caused by a blood pressure change from lying down to standing if you continue to have episodes like this please see a health care provider a physical examination will help discover the cause of the problem it also will give you peace of mind take care