POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. It means your heart rate rises more than usual when you move from lying or sitting to standing.

For many people, this can feel like your heart is racing, sometimes accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness.

POTS often occurs alongside hypermobility.

Around 80% of people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome also have it. About 31% of people with POTS have hypermobile EDS.

But it’s not only connected to hypermobility. POTS can also develop after viral infections, including COVID, or in other situations, with similar symptoms.

Some of the ways POTS may show up include:

Rapid heartbeat, especially when standing

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest

Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

Headaches

Mild chest discomfort or pressure

Nausea or upset stomach

Blood pooling and swelling of abdomen, legs, ankles and feet

POTS is often diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination and tests such as a sit-stand, NASA Lean or Tilt Table Test.

Unfortunately at this time, POTS in incurable. Management for POTS can vary upon the individuals symptoms and may require medication along side nutrition and lifestyle strategies.

Dysautonomia refers to conditions that affect the autonomic nervous system. The system in your brain controlling things your body does automatically, like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation.

POTS is a type of dysautonomia. Not everyone with dysautonomia has POTS, but all people with POTS have dysautonomia.

Living with POTS can feel exhausting and unpredictable, but with the right strategies, you can start to feel more grounded and in control.

I work with people to understand their symptoms, build practical routines, and create a plan that fits their life.

If you’re ready to start feeling more steady on your feet and regain confidence in your body, you can book a discovery call to see how I can support you.