Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Understanding POTS: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

What is POTS?

‍Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that affects circulation and blood flow. In simple terms, the autonomic nervous system is responsible for functions your body controls automatically—things like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. In POTS, these processes don’t work as they should, causing symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and extreme fatigue when standing up.

What Are the Symptoms of POTS?‍

POTS symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but the most common include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia), typically increasing by 30+ beats per minute upon standing
• Fatigue and exercise intolerance
• Brain fog, trouble concentrating, or memory issues
• Nausea or digestive issues
• Shakiness or feeling faint
• Temperature regulation issues, such as feeling too hot or too cold
• Frequent headaches
• Chest discomfort or shortness of breath
• Poor blood circulation, leading to cold or discolored hands and feet

Symptoms can be unpredictable and may worsen in response to stress, dehydration, heat, or prolonged standing.

What Causes POTS?‍

POTS can develop after an infection, injury, surgery, or other physical stressors. Some of the most common underlying causes include:

• Chronic infections (such as Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, or mold toxicity)
• Autoimmune disorders
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or connective tissue disorders
• Chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction
• Stealth pathogens that disrupt the nervous system

At Restorative Medicine Center, we dig deeper to uncover the root causes of POTS and create a plan to help restore balance.

How is POTS Diagnosed?

‍Diagnosing POTS typically involves:

• Tilt table test or active stand test – Measures heart rate and blood pressure changes when moving from lying down to standing
• Autonomic function testing – Evaluates how well your nervous system is regulating involuntary functions
• Comprehensive lab testing – Identifies infections, immune dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances contributing to symptoms

How is POTS Treated?‍

POTS is not a “one-size-fits-all” condition, and the best approach depends on what’s driving the dysfunction in your case. Our treatment strategies focus on supporting circulation, reducing nervous system stress, and addressing root causes. This may include:

• Optimizing hydration and electrolytes – Increasing salt and fluid intake to stabilize blood pressure
• Dietary adjustments – Supporting blood sugar regulation, reducing inflammation, and addressing food sensitivities
• Targeted supplementation – Providing essential nutrients such as magnesium, B vitamins, and adaptogens
• Medication, when needed – Certain medications can help regulate blood flow and autonomic function
• Addressing underlying infections and immune dysfunction – Identifying and treating stealth pathogens, autoimmune activity, or toxic burden that may be contributing to symptoms
• Nervous system retraining – Calming an overactive fight-or-flight response through breathwork, vagus nerve support, and stress management techniques
• Compression garments and gradual exercise – Supporting blood circulation and building tolerance to movement

Living with POTS: Finding a Path to Healing‍

POTS can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. By taking a root cause approach, we focus on long-term solutions, not just symptom management. Many patients see significant improvement with the right interventions, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

If you or a loved one are struggling with POTS, schedule a consultation to start uncovering the root causes and creating a plan for lasting relief.