Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

What is POTS?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a grouping of symptoms that result from a body’s inability to control vital bodily functions that normally happen without any thought. These include breathing, blood pressure, blood vessel constriction/dilation, heart rate, digestion, and body temperature.

Patients with POTS are unable to maintain a tightening of blood vessels in their extremities upon standing, which results in blood pooling in their hands and feet. The brain tries to compensate by telling the heart to beat harder and faster in order to deliver blood to the vital organs.

What are the symptoms of POTS?

People who have POTS may have the following symptoms, which can range from mild to severe.

Lightheadedness and dizziness
Blurred vision
Nausea
Fainting
Anxiety
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Muscle pain
Diarrhea/constipation
Brain fog
Heat intolerance

What are the risk factors for POTS?

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing POTS.

POTS affects 1-3 million people from ages 13 – 50 in the United States. Females are four times more likely to experience this syndrome than males. The ambiguous nature of this condition often results in misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. The Parkview Heart Institute is a place where POTS patients can come to be understood.

What treatment options are available for POTS?

Some people may be able to control their symptoms by improving lifestyle habits.

Increase daily hydration
Adopt a healthy diet, with increased sodium
Utilize compression garments
Exercise regularly to promote healthy blood flow
Learn lifestyle coping skills

Medications
Medications cannot cure POTS, but they can help to manage or alleviate symptoms that contribute to this syndrome.

POTS Support Group

Connect with others who are dealing with a POTS diagnosis and find support through community and education.

Learn more