What is POTS?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system—the part of your body that controls automatic functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. People with POTS experience an abnormal increase in heart rate when moving from lying down to standing up, often leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting.

What causes POTS?

The exact cause of POTS isn’t always clear. It can develop after:
– A viral illness or infection
– Surgery, trauma, or pregnancy
– Autoimmune disorders
– Prolonged bed rest
– Genetic predisposition (more common in young women)

In many cases, POTS results from an imbalance in how the body regulates blood flow and heart rate when standing.

Who is most likely to develop POTS?

POTS can affect anyone, but it is most commonly diagnosed in:
– Women between ages 15 and 50
– Individuals with a history of autoimmune disorders
– People with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) or chronic fatigue syndrome

What are the common symptoms of POTS?

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common include:
– Rapid heartbeat upon standing (often an increase of 30+ beats per minute)
– Lightheadedness or dizziness
– Fatigue and exercise intolerance
– Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
– Fainting or near-fainting spells
– Headaches
– Chest discomfort or palpitations
– Nausea or digestive issues
– Temperature sensitivity (especially heat intolerance)

How is POTS diagnosed?

Your cardiologist may use several tests to diagnose POTS, including:
– Tilt Table Test: Measures how your heart rate and blood pressure respond to changes in position.
– Orthostatic Vital Signs: Monitoring heart rate and blood pressure while lying down, sitting, and standing.
– Blood tests to rule out thyroid, adrenal, or electrolyte issues.
– Autonomic function testing to assess nerve responses.

A diagnosis is typically made when heart rate increases by 30 beats per minute (or exceeds 120 bpm) within 10 minutes of standing, without a significant drop in blood pressure.

Is POTS a form of anxiety or panic disorder?

No. While some symptoms of POTS (such as rapid heartbeat and dizziness) can mimic anxiety, POTS is a physiological condition, not a psychological one. However, anxiety can sometimes worsen symptoms, so managing stress is still an important part of care.

Can POTS be cured?

There is currently no single ‘cure’ for POTS, but many patients experience significant improvement through lifestyle changes, medications, and targeted therapies. With proper management, most people are able to return to normal or near-normal activity levels.

How is POTS treated?

Treatment is individualized and may include a combination of:

Lifestyle changes
– Increasing fluid and salt intake (as directed by your doctor)
– Wearing compression stockings
– Performing recumbent or gradual exercise
– Avoiding triggers such as heat, dehydration, and prolonged standing

Medications
– Beta blockers to control heart rate
– Fludrocortisone or midodrine to support blood pressure
– Ivabradine or other agents to manage tachycardia
– SSRIs/SNRIs in select cases to support autonomic regulation

Therapies
– Physical therapy focusing on reconditioning and blood flow
– Autonomic rehabilitation programs
– Nutritional counseling to support energy and hydration

How can diet and hydration help?

Staying well-hydrated is one of the most effective ways to reduce POTS symptoms.
– Aim for 2–3 liters of fluids per day.
– Include electrolyte-rich drinks when possible.
– Increase salt intake (up to 8–10 grams per day under medical supervision).
– Small, frequent meals may help reduce post-meal drops in blood pressure.

Does exercise make POTS worse?

In the short term, exercise can make symptoms feel worse. However, with a structured and gradual plan—starting with reclined or seated exercises (like rowing or recumbent cycling)—physical reconditioning can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Can POTS occur alongside other conditions?

Yes. POTS often overlaps with:
– Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)
– Autoimmune conditions (like lupus or Sjögren’s)
– Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
– Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)

Your provider will work to identify and address any related conditions.

Is POTS lifelong?

For some people, POTS is temporary—especially if it develops after a viral illness or pregnancy. For others, it can be a chronic condition that requires long-term management. Many patients, however, experience significant symptom reduction over time.

When should I see a cardiologist for POTS?

You should seek evaluation if you experience:
– Frequent dizziness, fainting, or racing heart upon standing
– Fatigue that interferes with daily activities
– Persistent lightheadedness, brain fog, or exercise intolerance

At Tampa Cardiovascular Associates, our specialists are experienced in diagnosing and managing autonomic and circulatory disorders like POTS. We work with you to develop a personalized plan to improve your quality of life and restore confidence in your daily activities.

Can Tampa Cardiovascular Associates help manage POTS?

Absolutely. Our cardiology team offers:
– Comprehensive autonomic and cardiac testing
– Tailored treatment plans including medication and lifestyle strategies
– Ongoing follow-up and symptom tracking
– Collaboration with neurologists and physical therapists when needed

Our goal is to help you regain stability, energy, and confidence in your day-to-day life.

Have more questions?

If you think you may have POTS or are experiencing unexplained dizziness or heart rate changes, contact Tampa Cardiovascular Associates today to schedule a consultation.