POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) is often called “the invisible disease”. This reference is no accident. POTS is dificult to detect and diagnose. As a cardiologist with experience diagnosing and treating POTS Syndrome, I hope this article will remove the proverbial “invisible veil” by explaining signs and symptoms of POTS.
Orthostasis and Tachycardia (Dizziness When Standing & Fast Heart Rate)
These are the hallmark symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Orthostasis is basically a sensation of dizziness upon standing, and tachycardia is a fast heart rate. The definition often used for POTS is symptoms on standing, accompanied by an increase in heart rate of 30 beats per minute within 10 minutes of standing. Although there may be a sensation of fainting, most POTS patients don’t pass out.
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Why POTS Patients Experience Dizziness & Fast Heart Rate
Usually on standing there is an immediate shift of about ½ a liter of blood from the upper body to the lower body. There is also shift of blood out of the blood vessels in to the surrounding tissues. The problem with this is that enough blood still needs to go back to the heart and the upper body to function normally. In a normal scenario, the body responds by tightening the blood vessels and returning more blood to the heart and a slight increase in heart rate. In POTS, this response is abnormal resulting in a pooling of blood in the lower body. The heart rate increases excessively to try and counteract this, but it’s often not enough and creates the orthostatic symptoms (fast heart rate), often the source of other symptoms of POTS Syndrome.
POTS Syndrome Symptoms Cheat Sheet
Headaches
About two-thirds of POTS patients experience headaches as symptoms of POTS syndrome (Mack et al). Migraine headaches, the most intense kind, are common and bring with them additional symptoms such as nausea, a sense that the room is spinning, dizziness, and finding loud noises and bright light extremely bothersome. Coat hanger headaches, which primarily cause pain in the head and shoulders, are a highly common and troubling symptom among those diagnosed with POTS (Khurana et al). Coat hanger headaches are often worsened with standing or exercise and relieved by rest.
Stomach (Nasuea & Abdomnimal Pain) Symptoms
In addition to the symptoms of dizziness and difficulty maintaining a standing position, many POTS symptoms experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and abdominal pain. In some patients, it has been found that treatment of the POTS, leads to improvement in the stomach symptoms (Sullivan et al). A lot of POTS symptoms are attributed to a dysfunctional nervous system that prevents blood return to the upper body when standing. It has also been shown that some of the gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with orthostatic intolerance can similarly be attributed to a dysfunctional nerve supply to the stomach (Seligman et al). Other reported complaints include bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as persistent pain, lasting more than 3-6 months, and may include symptoms such as the headaches and the gastrointestinal symptoms described above. Unfortunately and frustratingly, despite extensive evaluations, many chronic pain patients find no clear underlying cause. This makes it difficult to treat this symptoms. Like many other POTS syndrome symptoms, chronic pain may partly be explained by disruption of the nervous system, but is overall poorly understood (Eccleston et al).
Visualization of Four Primary POTS Symptoms
Heart Symptoms – Chest Pains, Palpitations and Shortness of Breath
Heart related symptoms are fairly common amongst POTS patients. Palpitations are often reported and although these are typically relatively harmless often a monitor will be used to evaluate them better and to rule out easily treatable problems. Chest pains are also commonly reported, although these are once again usually benign in nature. Shortness of breath and fatigue may also be reported, particularly on activity, however the pumping function of the heart is usually normal in POTS patients, although it has been reported that the heart is relatively small compared to healthy subjects.
Symptoms Related to Menstrual Cycle in Women
The majority of POTS patients are younger women. 80% of these report a worsening of their symptoms during the menstrual cycle. In addition there is a higher likelihood of gynecologic abnormalities such as ovarian cysts, dysfunctional bleeding and endometriosis (Peggs et al).
Problems Sleeping
Sleep disturbances have been well described in POTS syndrome. Symptoms include poor sleeping at night, waking up repeatedly at night, and sweating at night. POTS patients were found to have more sleep disturbances and higher levels (Bagai et al).
Brain Fog
A common POTS symptom is impairment of cognitive function. Cognitive function basically means intellectual processing. Amongst POTS syndrome patients this is often called ‘brain fog’. Almost all POTS patients experience some degree of brain fogging. Patients most commonly describe brain fog as as difficulty focusing, thinking, and communicating (Ross et al).
Dark-Red / Bluish Legs on Standing
About 50% of POTS patients have something called dependent acrocyanosis. This basically means dark red or bluish color to the legs typically on standing. The exact cause is not known. It’s usually painless and the legs continue to function as normal.
Sweating Abnormalities
Both increased and decreased sweating have been described in POTS patients. In the hyperadrenergic form of POTS there may be profuse sweating episodes.
Other Reported Symptoms
A research paper out of the Mayo Clinic in 2007 reported symptoms of 152 POTS patients that had been evaluated there (Thieben et al). Some of these are listed below, along with the percentages of patients that reported these symptoms. It must be remembered that this is only one study, although it does help our insight in to the symptoms associated with POTS.
In addition to these symptoms, there is a large list of non-specific symptoms that have been reported by POTS patients. It is difficult to know whether these are related to the POTS syndrome or other problems that exist at the same time. Ongoing research will hopefully help us to better characterize POTS Syndrome and treat its symptoms.
This is very interesting information! Here is why I feel that way. So my father in law recently had pneumonia and had a plural effusion as a result. He is a paraplegic who normally gets up at least 3 times a day with assistance from my mother in law. Now every time she try’s to get him up, he has SOB and passes out. The Drs never gave him a diagnosis or found out why this is happening. Now he refuses to get up out of bed and I am afraid of what will happen there. He has a long history but pacemaker, tube fed, has a stoma, are among some of it. I was wondering if this could be what is going on. I may mention this to my mother in law and see what his local provider says. Thanks for the info!
I’ve given up on doctors, they are rather useless if a patient doesn’t have one of a handful of conditions they see regularly, they seem to not want to investigate and discover the issue. I’m in my 20’s, so you know I’ve had many frustrating experiences to be so cynical so early in life. The doctor might explain your father-in-law’s new ailments by saying that he is still weak from the pneumonia (which is possible, he was already a sickly man and he just needs more time to return to 100%) and that blood naturally pools where gravity takes it, that’s why many people, especially as they get older start to develop swelling in their feet if they stand for a prolonged time. Gravity has an effect on everybody’s blood but there are special smooth muscles that wrap around all the veins and arteries that regulates blood flow and pressure. Now, if a person is sitting/lying down, the heart rate slows and the body is able to send blood to the brain very easily with minimal effort, then someone comes along and yanks this person into the standing position. The problem is that the body gets surprised, it was relaxed one second then the next it suddenly has to work much harder, as a healthy child the body would be able to quickly correct the sudden change, in an old or sick person the body is tired/weak so it takes more time to fix the problem that the head is suddenly much father away from the feet.
My first concern is if he is still exercising or has some kind of physical therapy while bedridden. Remember I said blood pools, if he doesn’t move he is at risk for blood clots which could travel to his heart or to his brain which can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Does anyone have suggestions on treatment for nausea and diarrhea related to POTS? I have occasional flair ups of terrible nausea/dizziness and diarrhea but can’t seem to pin point the cause.
I have a prescription for Zofran/Ondansetron. It is the smallest pill (way smaller than a tic tac) and dissolves. Super helpful when you’re nauseous. It is a lifesaver. Home remedies like peppermint and ginger help. I drink tea with one of those as the main ingredient. Aloe Vera juice is also a great home remedy. They have it at Walgreens and online (Herbal Life). I used it when I was pregnant and it was great. If it helps, these are recommendations from a nursing student and someone that has pots.
Hi! We are new to this, but a remedy we have used for ages is applesauce for diarrhea. I love that there is a place I can go to see what works for people. Wishing you all the best!
Depending of the cause of your POTS, you may want to try going dairy free and gluten free for 3 months. My POTS was caused by my autoimmune disorders. I had severe nausea and heartburn like feeling in my stomach and I could not even eat a grape amongst other symptoms. I started getting treated for POTS last September. I have seen a big difference in the way my stomach feels. I have slowly reintroduced gluten and dairy foods back in and have been stable.
Have you also experienced sharp pains in your heart?
Have you had migraines?
Hope You can answer.
DG
I have very severe migraines. I currently take a daily preventive that helps. I also have chest pains. I see the cardiologist monthly and sadly he says this is normal.
Please see a cardiologist that specialist in POTS.
My daughter was missed diagnosed for 24 years until she did the research and its conclusive that she does not have anxiety and is in treatment.
I am going to tell you that not until you find a cardiologist that specializes in POTs than you will be dismissed!! Please don’t give up!!
What was the treatment its ruining my life im bedbound and never go out im 30yrs old. Sweating is the worst im soaked in my head looks like i just showed. It is awful im soaked my hair always wet as soon as i stand or clean my house any activity or simply standing im soaked. Is there treatment that has helped this?
What kind of doctor can diagnose this? PCP or specialist? My daughter has exhibited almost all of these symptoms for years and we’ve been to so many doctors. One even told me that it’s all in her head. Who do I see to get her tested and what kind of testing should I expect? Please help.
My friend was diagnosed by a neurologist, but I would think a cardiologist would also have to be involved.
I was diagnosed by a neurologist. First one sent me to a different one that had the Tilt Table for testing. So far, I have not seen a cardiologist but it has only been about a month since I was diagnosed.
JESS are you weak when u have you “spells”?
To diagnose Pots Syndrome a Cardiologist can perform a Tilt Test. Only certain hospitals have access to a Tilt Table.
My cardiologist referred me to an electro-physiologist who ordered a tilt table test to confirm the POTS diagnosis. I also have SVT but I don’t know if they generally go together or not. I pray your daughter will get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
My daughter was diagnosed by a cardiologist after she had a table tilt test. But pcp can order the table tilt test.
My daughter was diagnosed by her primary care physician. She didn’t even use the tilt table, just had my daughter sit/stand laydown/stand and measured heart rate and blood pressure. It helped that my daughter’s school nurse had been checking/logging her heart rate and bp every time she didn’t feel well at school.
My son was diagnosed by a cardiologist.
I know too well how you feel. I spent years and tons of money on every specialist for my daughter without results or answers. Our God send was an adolescent medicine specialist. She nailed it on our first visit. I will tell you that the ‘recommendation’ is salt and a lot of water. Common sense dictates that if you drink that much water, you flush out other essential minerals and vitamins, and salt upsets an already upset stomach. We have found that the Electro mix by Emerg n C (available on line at Walmart – best price, free shipping- in a green box) gives her the electrolytes and the minerals she’s losing. Most electrolytes have a lot of sugar or worse, artificial sweeteners. And considering how much she has to drink, NO WAY. We have also found the ‘fizzy sticks’ drink mix from Arbonne give her more energy, again without the sugar / artificial sweetener. And it has things like green tea, blend of vitamin b’s, chromium, sodium, and potassium (salt) all plant derived. these two things are essential for her. she can not get through the day without both.
One that specializes in P OTS cardiologist is the best please don’t give up I’ve been taking my daughter to doctors since 13 and for the first time we found some hope in us and treatment. It took no less than three minutes To come to the conclusion and she seeking medical help.
My 16 year old son has PRECORDIAL Syndrome. Any suggestions about what causes this & how to treat it?
**PRECORDIAL CATCH SYNDROME** Left out the “Catch” in original comment
Who can diganose this? My daughter has all the symptons described an only ten.She had been to cardio an wore heart monitor an to nuero with no answers.
Electrophysiologist, cardiologist or Neurologist. Your primary care doctor can do a “poor man’s tilt table test.” My primary care doctor caught it for me. They check your heart rate and blood pressure lying down, sitting and standing.
I am in my 70’s and have been coping with Pot’s disease for many years. My biggest problem amongst many is I can not sleep. Does anyone have a name of a product that they may be using that works for them. I have tried sleeping pills and if lucky I sleep 3 hours and then I am wide awake the rest of the night. Have also been using a relation pill as well, but does not help. If anyone has any advice, I would surely appreciate hearing from you.
Thank you.
Andrea
Hi Andrea , I use Essential oils for sleep and they help me. I use lavender and serenity gel caps and oil. Serenity is a DōTERRA product but I would suggest to try using oils if sleeping stuff doesn’t help you. I also lay awake most of the night without them.
Sometimes also with them but they do help.
Marijuana is your best bet to help with sleep
Try tart organic cherry juice. Not black cherry juice. Helps me and I take it 45 minutes before bed.
Hi, I am 65 and have the sleep disorder connected with Fibromyalgia and EDS. I have EDS Classic form. Taking the usual cocktail of Melatonin, Valerian Root, OTC Sleep aid and other supplements helps. But, the best thing of all is 5 or more minutes a day of low impact aerobic on my NUstep or deep water running for an hour or so. I actually do aerobics up to 45min a day but, it took a long time to work up to that level. I also sometimes use deep breathing exercises to relax and fall asleep but mostly my sleep disorder cause frequent arousals. Hope you get some help soon!
Quite a few of the signs and symptoms of POTS also overlap with Primary Hyperparathyroidism.
My 16 year olddaughter was recently diagnosed and put on Toprol beta blocker. It was increased from 12.5 to 25 mg. The first night she had chest tightness and trouble breathing, it aggravated her asthma. Now she stopped and headaches are back up to a 10 on pain scale. Would salt tablets be helpful?
Not for shortness of breath. This is common with many Pots patients. I am also asthmatic and beta blockers and asthma don’t mix well. You may want to speak with her doctor. I am currently on a calcium channel blocker. I loved my beta blocker, but I couldn’t breathe.
Hey some of those same symptoms are for adrenal failure. I would make sure I had my adrenals checked. That’s an easy test , and if that’s a problem all you need are adrenals from an animal. They use the tilt test for that also. I’d rather have that then Pots !!! Also you could have more then one thing going on. I’d listen to Doug Kaughman “Know The Cause” we all have a fungus problem some worse then others. Hope this helps. He helps me. Good health to you all. If you have The Lord and your health your way ahead of the game. Trish
Hey Trish
My Girl Friend has had several episodes over the past month: tightness in chest, warming sensation in heart, numbing of hands/legs, rapid heart rate (140 resting) and (190 excersize induced) Nausea at times and anxiety as a result from these daily feelings. She was prescribed Naderol once per night at bedtime, do you have any suggestions on home remedies or advice as to help cope with this? She struggles to function at times throughout the day and I want her to suffer as little as possible. Thank you in advance,
Mike
Mike,
I’ve had the same symptoms as your girlfriend as well as gastroparesis, a GI disorder, severe fatigue, fainting, and severe trembling following fainting episodes. I have a cardiologist and neurologist. I take Metoprolol which stablizes my heart rate and Zoloft which has mostly eliminated fainting episodes. I use Zofran for nausea and Librax that relaxes the stomach muscles, both are only taken as needed. I’m 90% better with medication though I can have an infrequent episode, but they are few and far between. Usually after an episode I have anxiety for a couple of days fearing another episode, and I take Xanax when I need anxiety relief. I was also struggling to function during the day, but now I’m able to function normally and even enjoy moderate exercise. I also practice deep breathing and mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety and it improves my general well-being. Your girlfriend will improve with the right treatment.
Did you know that your did you know fact is wrong?
Has anyone ever pass out while sitting down? I was driving the other day and started feeling dizzy and lightheaded and like I do Everytime I passing.
I actually have this problem. I have narcolepsy so, at first, the Dr.’s thought it was that. When I asked them if narcolepsy is situational and lasts for 30+ minutes, they all agreed that the lengthy, situational episodes are not narcolepsy, but no one can tell me what it is.
Hi , I am 52 and I was diagnosed with Severe Clinical Depression, PTSD, Anxiety, OCD snd I also have high Blood Pressure, IBS and am Anemic which as you may know causes a lot of problems for me. In the past year I have started having these symptoms, Feeling lighted headed, fainting and vomiting while I was passed out, stomach cramps and tightening of my shoulders, when I call rescue and they check my vitals they say they they are all normal and also my blood pressure has been higher than than usual it’s usually high but not as high as it’s been lately can these symptoms be related to POTS?