Have you ever stood up too quickly and felt lightheaded, dizzy, or even on the verge of passing out? If this happens frequently, you might be dealing with a condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). This chronic disorder affects blood circulation and can significantly impact daily life.
What is POTS?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that regulates involuntary body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.
POTS is diagnosed when a person’s heart rate increases by 30 beats per minute (or more) within 10 minutes of standing, without a significant drop in blood pressure. This can cause symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and fatigue, making everyday activities challenging. While it commonly affects young women, POTS can develop in people of all ages.
Common Causes of POTS
Although the exact cause of POTS isn’t fully understood, several factors contribute to its development, including:
Neuropathic POTS: Small nerve fiber damage prevents blood vessels from constricting properly, leading to blood pooling and circulation issues.
Hyperadrenergic POTS: High norepinephrine levels cause an overactive sympathetic nervous system, resulting in rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.
Hypovolemic POTS: A reduced blood volume leads to poor circulation and difficulty maintaining normal blood pressure.
Autoimmune Conditions: Some POTS patients have underlying autoimmune disorders, suggesting an immune system connection.
POTS can present a wide range of symptoms, including:
✅ Orthostatic intolerance (dizziness when standing) ✅ Fainting (syncope) ✅ Tachycardia (fast heart rate) ✅ Fatigue and muscle weakness ✅ Brain fog and cognitive difficulties ✅ Shortness of breath ✅ Exercise intolerance ✅ Sweating abnormalities ✅ Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, bloating, abdominal pain) ✅ Heat or cold intolerance ✅ Tingling sensations in the legs ✅ Frequent urination ✅ Light/noise sensitivity ✅ Headaches or migraines ✅ Anxiety or low mood
These symptoms can be debilitating, making it difficult for individuals to carry out daily tasks.
While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for POTS, several treatment strategies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
1. Lifestyle Modifications
Hydration: Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily can help regulate blood volume.
Increased Salt Intake: Sodium helps retain fluids and maintain blood pressure.
Compression Garments: Compression socks or abdominal binders prevent blood pooling in the legs.
Gradual Position Changes: Moving slowly from sitting to standing minimizes dizziness.
Exercise: Low-impact exercises like recumbent biking, rowing, or swimming improve circulation without triggering symptoms.
2. Medications
Depending on individual needs, doctors may prescribe:
Fludrocortisone: Increases blood volume.
Midodrine: Helps tighten blood vessels to prevent blood pooling.
Beta-blockers: Reduce excessive heart rate.
Ivabradine: Controls heart rate without lowering blood pressure.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Help regulate autonomic nervous system function.
3. Physical Therapy
Supervised cardiovascular and strength training can improve blood flow and overall endurance. A structured POTS exercise program focuses on building tolerance and reducing symptoms over time.
4. Dietary Adjustments
Frequent, small meals help stabilize blood sugar and blood pressure.
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate the body and worsen symptoms.
Ensuring adequate electrolyte intake for proper nerve and muscle function.
5. Addressing Underlying Conditions
If POTS is linked to autoimmune disorders, neuropathy, or hypovolemia, treating the root cause may help manage symptoms more effectively.
When to See a Doctor
If you frequently feel dizzy, experience heart palpitations, fainting, or extreme fatigue, it’s essential to seek medical advice. POTS is often misdiagnosed as anxiety or panic disorder, so visiting a clinic specializing in autonomic dysfunction—like The Heartbeat Clinic—is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
At The Heartbeat Clinic, we offer comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to help POTS patients regain control over their symptoms. Don’t let POTS limit your life—schedule an appointment today!