POTS
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. In this condition, the body responds differently to standing upright, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue.
Key points
- In POTS, the autonomic nervous system responds differently to standing upright.
- This can cause a significant increase in heart rate when standing, while blood pressure often remains stable.
- Symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue usually occur when standing upright.
- Symptoms often decrease when sitting or lying down.
- Physical therapy focuses on guiding movement and gradually building exercise tolerance.
Symptoms
- Dizziness when standing.
- Heart palpitations.
- A light-headed or floating sensation.
- Fatigue.
- Difficulty standing for long periods.
- Concentration problems.
Causes
- The exact cause of POTS is not always clear. Changes in the autonomic nervous system likely play a role.
- Symptoms sometimes develop after an infection, illness, or other medical event.
Treatments
- Physical therapy focuses on guiding movement and gradually building exercise tolerance.
- When symptoms fit POTS, assessment by a GP or specialist is important to establish the diagnosis.
What is POTS?
When standing up, the body must adjust circulation to ensure adequate blood flow to the brain. In POTS, the autonomic nervous system responds differently to this change in posture.
This can cause a significant increase in heart rate when standing upright, while blood pressure often remains relatively stable.
Heart rate
Increase when standing
Heart rate can increase significantly when standing upright.
Exercise tolerance
Gradual build-up
Physical therapy focuses on gradually building exercise tolerance.
Recovery
Sitting or lying down
Symptoms often decrease when sitting or lying down.
Would you like to have your symptoms assessed?
An initial assessment can help determine whether your symptoms fit POTS and which next steps may be appropriate.