What is POTS (Dysautonomia)?

There are over 100 recognized Autoimmune diseases. Pots (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) is one of the many Autoimmune diseases that are overlooked and misunderstood. For those living with Pots, every day is a battle against a body that refuses to cooperate, leaving them to navigate a variety of symptoms and challenges. Let’s take a deeper look at POTS, shedding light on its symptoms, impact, and the journey of those living with this often invisible condition.

What is POTS?

POTS, short for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, is a form of dysautonomia—a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system responsible for regulating vital bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature control. In individuals with POTS, the body struggles to maintain blood flow and regulate heart rate appropriately, particularly when transitioning from lying down to standing up.

Symptoms: The hallmark symptom of POTS is a significant increase in heart rate upon standing, typically by 30 beats per minute or more within 10 minutes of assuming an upright position. However, the symptoms of POTS extend far beyond a racing heart and can vary widely among individuals. Some common symptoms include:

1. Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Many POTS patients experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or a feeling of faintness, especially when standing up suddenly.
2. Fatigue: Debilitating fatigue is a constant companion for those with POTS, often leaving them drained of energy despite minimal exertion.
3. Brain Fog: Cognitive dysfunction, often referred to as “brain fog,” can impair concentration, memory, and mental clarity, making it challenging to focus and function effectively.
4. Palpitations: Heart palpitations, or the sensation of a rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, are common in individuals with POTS, particularly upon standing.
5. Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical exertion or while standing, is a prevalent symptom of POTS.
6. Nausea and Gastrointestinal Issues: Many POTS patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
7. Temperature Dysregulation: Dysautonomia can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to fluctuations in body temperature, excessive sweating, or intolerance to heat or cold.
8. Exercise Intolerance: Physical activity can exacerbate POTS symptoms, often leading to exercise intolerance, muscle weakness, and post-exertional malaise.

Diagnosis and Management:

Diagnosing POTS can be challenging due to its diverse and overlapping symptoms. Medical professionals typically conduct a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and autonomic function testing to assess heart rate and blood pressure responses to positional changes. Tilt table testing may also be employed to induce and evaluate symptoms under controlled conditions.

Treatment may include lifestyle modifications such as increased fluid and salt intake, wearing compression garments, and implementing a tailored exercise regimen. Medications targeting symptoms such as beta-blockers, fludrocortisone, and midodrine may also be prescribed to help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and fluid balance.

Make sure to check out our other POTS related post linked below!

• “Embarrassing symptoms of POTS and how to manage”
• “Dysautonomia and body odor”
• “7 Products to help you survive the summer with Dysautonomia”
• “How to survive summer heat with Dysautonomia”

Living with POTS is full of trial and error while finding the balance of what works for you and your body. Check out our free resource library for symptom tracker printables that include; symptoms, diet, element exposure, stress levels, etc.