POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition affecting the autonomic nervous system that causes an abnormally large increase in heart rate when moving from lying down to standing. This leads to symptoms including rapid heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness, and extreme fatigue. In healthy people, the body automatically adjusts blood flow when standing to maintain blood pressure to the brain. In POTS, this system doesn't work properly, causing blood to pool in the lower body and the heart to race to compensate. POTS is often misdiagnosed as anxiety, panic attacks, or chronic fatigue syndrome because symptoms overlap. It can significantly impact quality of life, with many patients experiencing severe fatigue that limits daily activities.

POTS involves dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system: When standing: - Blood pools in the lower body due to gravity - Blood vessels don't constrict properly - Heart rate increases dramatically (30+ beats per minute) - Brain doesn't receive adequate blood flow Possible triggers/causes: - Viral infections (including COVID-19) - Surgery or trauma - Pregnancy - Autoimmune conditions - Genetic factors (joint hypermobility) - Prolonged bed rest POTS often develops after an illness, surgery, or other stressor. Post-COVID POTS has become increasingly recognized.