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.
POTS signs & symptoms
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
POTS risk factors
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.
POTS treatments
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
If treatment is needed, your physician may refer you to the POTS Clinic at Parkview Heart Institute where the care team will focus on assessing you for health conditions that may be contributing to POTS. The team will discuss which therapies will be most appropriate for you.
Medications
Medications cannot cure POTS, but they can help to manage or alleviate symptoms that contribute to this syndrome.
POTS Support Group
POTS tends to be a chronic condition with peaks and valleys. As with any chronic conditions, positive coping skills can be helpful in the management of this health condition. The Parkview POTS Support Group hosts a monthly educational support gathering. For more information, email POTS_Support@parkview.com.
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team at the POTS Clinic is here to offer you advanced cardiovascular care.
Appointments & Referrals
Find information about how to be referred to the POTS Clinic and what to expect as a new patient.