POTS – Quick Guide to Understanding and Managing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Ever feel light‑headed or shaky just standing up? That could be a sign of POTS, a condition that makes your heart race and blood pressure drop when you move from lying down to standing. It’s more common than you think, especially among young adults, and the good news is there are clear steps you can take to feel better.

What Is POTS?

POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. In simple terms, your autonomic nervous system— the part that controls heart rate and blood pressure—overshoots when you stand. Within ten minutes of standing, your heart may beat 30–40 beats per minute faster than normal, and you might get dizzy, tired, or even faint.

The exact cause varies. Some people have a genetic link, others develop it after an illness, injury, or pregnancy. Hormonal shifts, blood volume shortages, or nerve damage can all play a role. Knowing the cause helps doctors pick the right treatment plan.

How to Spot the Symptoms

Common clues include:

• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) when standing
• Dizziness or light‑headedness that improves when you sit or lie down
• Fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest
• Brain fog, trouble concentrating, or headaches
• Blurred vision, nausea, or shaky hands

If you notice several of these signs, especially after standing for a short time, it’s worth getting checked. A doctor will usually run a tilt‑table test or measure heart rate and blood pressure while you change positions.

Getting a clear diagnosis is the first step. It lets you rule out other issues like anemia or heart problems and opens the door to targeted treatment.

### Simple Lifestyle Tricks

Most people with POTS see big improvements by tweaking daily habits:

• Stay hydrated. Aim for 2–3 liters of water a day. Adding a pinch of salt (if your doctor approves) helps keep blood volume up.
• Wear compression stockings. They push blood back toward your heart, reducing pooling in the legs.
• Gradual movement. Switch from lying to sitting, then to standing. Small steps keep your system from over‑reacting.
• Exercise. Light, upright activities—like recumbent bike work or rowing—build cardiovascular fitness without triggering symptoms.
• Balanced meals. Small, frequent meals avoid large blood‑sugar swings that can worsen POTS.

These changes don’t cure POTS, but they often cut symptom intensity by half.

### Medications You Might Hear About

When lifestyle tweaks aren’t enough, doctors may prescribe medicines. Common options include:

• Beta‑blockers (e.g., propranolol) to slow the heart rate.
• Fludrocortisone to retain sodium and boost blood volume.
• Midodrine to tighten blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
• Pyridostigmine for nerve‑signal support.

Each drug has pros and cons, so a doctor will tailor the plan to your symptoms, age, and other health factors.

### When to Seek Professional Help

If dizziness leads to falls, you feel chest pain, or symptoms worsen despite home measures, book an appointment promptly. Early intervention reduces the risk of long‑term disability and helps you stay active.

Our site, Donbass Pharma Hub, has more articles on related topics—like how certain diuretics, antihistamines, or blood‑pressure meds work—so you can explore the broader picture of managing your health.

Remember, POTS is manageable. With the right mix of hydration, smart clothing, gentle exercise, and, if needed, medication, you can get back to the routines you enjoy. Keep tracking your symptoms, stay in touch with your healthcare team, and don’t hesitate to adjust your plan as you learn what works best for you.