Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, is a condition where standing up from a sitting position can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy and cause your heart rate to spike. The intensity of symptoms varies; for some, it might be severe enough to disrupt daily activities and even lead to falls and injuries.
Around 0.2% of people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with POTS, and it most commonly affects those assigned female at birth, particularly during their childbearing years, although it can start as early as age 14. The exact cause remains unknown, but lifestyle changes and medications can help manage it.
POTS shows up differently for everyone, with some experiencing sudden severe symptoms and others having milder symptoms that get worse over time. The condition can be classified into two types: neuropathic, which is more common, and hyperadrenergic.
The main sign of POTS is a heart rate increase of 30 beats per minute or more when you stand up, which usually returns to normal when you sit or lie back down. Other symptoms can include lightheadedness and dizziness.
While experts aren’t sure what exactly triggers POTS, it might follow health-related events or occur independently. Sometimes it is linked to autonomic system disorders—conditions affecting the body’s nervous system—or an overload of bodily fluids.
If you suspect you have POTS, visiting a healthcare provider for tests is advisable. They’ll likely ask about your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, and any medications you’re taking. Conditions like dehydration, hypothyroidism, pulmonary embolism, or anxiety disorders can sometimes mimic POTS, so getting an accurate diagnosis can be challenging.
Healthcare providers might conduct various tests to confirm or rule out POTS. If initial tests don’t provide a clear answer, further testing could be necessary.
There’s no cure for POTS yet, but treatments aim to ease symptoms. Providers usually suggest lifestyle modifications to help manage your condition, and if those aren’t enough, they might prescribe medication tailored to your symptoms’ intensity. Additionally, therapy can help address any anxiety or fear from dealing with POTS.
For severe symptoms, like fainting due to heart rate changes, a pacemaker might be recommended. POTS often occurs alongside other medical issues, potentially increasing the risk of experiencing certain complications. About 15% of people with POTS also have autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome or fibromyalgia.
A POTS diagnosis may initially seem daunting as symptoms can impact daily life quality. However, about half of those diagnosed find their symptoms improve significantly within one to three years. For others, treatments are available to help manage ongoing symptoms, and research is continuing to improve treatment options.
POTS flare-ups can happen after viral infections, including COVID-19, surgery, brain injuries, or other stress-inducing situations. Severe symptoms might prevent activities like driving during flare-ups. The medication fludrocortisone for POTS often requires a higher salt intake due to increased salt loss.
