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What is POTS? Understanding Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome What is POTS? Understanding Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
ByKristin Persyn
June 27, 2025

What is POTS? Understanding Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Understand what Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is, including its symptoms, diagnosis methods, and treatment options. Learn how to manage this condition effectively.

What is POTS? A Closer Look at Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Ever stood up too quickly and felt dizzy or lightheaded? For most of us, that sensation passes in a few seconds. But for people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), it’s a daily struggle. POTS is a condition that messes with your body’s ability to regulate blood flow, particularly when you move from lying down to standing up. It’s like your autonomic nervous system—the part of your body that handles things like heart rate and blood pressure—decides to take a coffee break at the worst possible time.

This condition can turn everyday activities into a challenge, leaving people feeling exhausted, dizzy, or even faint. But what exactly causes POTS, and how do you know if you have it? Let’s break it down, from symptoms to diagnosis and treatment options.

What Does POTS Feel Like? Common Symptoms

POTS doesn’t play by the rules. It can show up in a variety of ways, and no two people experience it exactly the same. That said, there are some telltale signs that might make you wonder if POTS is the culprit behind your symptoms. Here’s what to look out for:

  • Rapid Heart Rate: Your heart might race as if you’ve just run a marathon, even if you’re just standing still.
  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling like the room is spinning? That’s a classic POTS symptom.
  • Fatigue: Not just the “I need a nap” kind of tired, but the “I can barely get out of bed” kind.
  • Fainting: Some people with POTS experience syncope, or passing out, especially when standing for too long.
  • Shortness of Breath: Even simple tasks can leave you gasping for air.
  • Chest Pain: This one can be scary, but it’s often related to the heart working overtime.
  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Think nausea, bloating, or even irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms.
  • Brain Fog: Struggling to concentrate or remember things? Yep, that’s POTS too.

These symptoms can come and go, and their intensity can vary from day to day. If you’re consistently dealing with any of these issues, it’s worth bringing them up with your doctor. Trust me, you don’t want to brush it off—POTS can be sneaky.

How is POTS Diagnosed? The Road to Answers

Diagnosing POTS isn’t exactly straightforward. Why? Because its symptoms overlap with so many other conditions—think anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, or even dehydration. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack. But there’s one test that’s particularly helpful: the tilt table test.

Here’s how it works: You lie flat on a table, and then it’s tilted upright to mimic standing. While this happens, your heart rate and blood pressure are closely monitored. If your heart rate spikes by 30 beats per minute (or more) within 10 minutes of standing, and you don’t have a significant drop in blood pressure, POTS might be the diagnosis.

But that’s not the only tool in the diagnostic toolbox. Your doctor might also recommend:

  • Heart Rate Monitoring: Wearing a Holter monitor to track your heart’s activity over 24-48 hours.
  • Blood Tests: To rule out other conditions like anemia or thyroid issues.
  • Autonomic Function Tests: These check how well your nervous system is doing its job.

Getting a proper diagnosis can take time, but it’s worth it. After all, you can’t treat what you don’t know you have.

Living with POTS: Treatment and Management

Here’s the good news: While there’s no cure for POTS, there are plenty of ways to manage it. The key is finding what works for you, because—spoiler alert—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some common strategies:

  • Hydration and Salt: Drinking plenty of fluids and increasing your salt intake can help boost blood volume, which is often low in people with POTS.
  • Compression Stockings: These aren’t just for your grandma. They help improve blood flow and reduce symptoms like dizziness.
  • Medications: Beta-blockers, fludrocortisone, and other meds can help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Exercise: It might sound counterintuitive, but gentle, consistent exercise (like swimming or recumbent biking) can actually help over time.

Of course, your treatment plan should be tailored to your specific needs. That’s why working closely with a healthcare provider is so important.

The Upside: Life Can Get Better

With the right management, many people with POTS see a significant improvement in their quality of life. It might take some trial and error, but finding the right combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments can make a world of difference.

The Downside: It’s Not Always Easy

Let’s be real—living with POTS can be tough. The diagnosis process can feel like a never-ending maze, and symptoms can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Plus, because POTS is still relatively misunderstood, some people face skepticism from doctors or loved ones. But here’s the thing: Awareness is growing, and more people are getting the help they need.

So, if you suspect you might have POTS, don’t give up. Keep advocating for yourself, and remember—you’re not alone. Understanding what POTS is is the first step toward taking control of your health.

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