When your nervous system loses
its balance
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia — a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. In POTS, the heart rate increases abnormally upon standing, often by 30 or more beats per minute, causing a cascade of debilitating symptoms.
Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for conditions involving autonomic nervous system dysfunction. POTS is the most common form, but others include Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and Pure Autonomic Failure. These conditions disproportionately affect women and are frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety, deconditioning, or psychosomatic illness — sometimes for years before a correct diagnosis is made.
Common Symptoms
Rapid heart rate upon standing (tachycardia)
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Extreme fatigue and exercise intolerance
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Nausea and gastrointestinal symptoms
Headaches and visual disturbances
Temperature dysregulation and excessive sweating
Chest pain and shortness of breath
Frequently Asked Questions
How is POTS diagnosed?
POTS is typically diagnosed using a tilt table test or a poor man's tilt test (lying to standing heart rate measurements). A heart rate increase of ≥30 bpm within 10 minutes of standing (or ≥40 bpm in adolescents), without a significant drop in blood pressure, is the diagnostic criterion.
Is POTS a lifelong condition?
POTS can be managed effectively with the right treatment plan. Some patients — particularly adolescents — see significant improvement or full remission over time. For others, it is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. With proper care, many patients achieve meaningful improvement in quality of life.
What triggers POTS flares?
Common triggers include dehydration, heat, prolonged standing, illness, hormonal changes, and overexertion. Identifying and managing personal triggers is an important part of treatment.
The Bigger Picture
These conditions rarely travel alone
POTS, EDS, and MCAS frequently co-occur — so much so that they're sometimes called the "trifecta." Research suggests that connective tissue abnormalities in EDS may contribute to autonomic dysfunction (POTS), and mast cell instability (MCAS) may be driven in part by the same underlying collagen defects.
Understanding how these conditions interact is essential to effective treatment. Treating one in isolation, without recognizing the others, often leads to incomplete relief. At POTS Wellness Center, we evaluate the full picture — because that's what it takes to actually help.
Understanding how these conditions interact is essential to effective treatment. Treating one in isolation, without recognizing the others, often leads to incomplete relief. At POTS Wellness Center, we evaluate the full picture — because that's what it takes to actually help.
Think this sounds like you?
You don't need a confirmed diagnosis to reach out. If these conditions resonate with your experience, we'd love to talk.