Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that causes a number of symptoms when you transition from lying down to standing up. The autonomic nervous system regulates functions that we dont consciously control, such as heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and body temperature. The key characteristics of POTS are the specific symptoms and the exaggerated increase in heart rate when standing. Some of the symptoms of POTS include:
- Heart palpitations (feeling the heart beat or race)
- Instability (feeling like one is about to fall)
- Lightheadedness (almost passing out; vision tunnels or goes gray or dark)
- Dizziness
- Passing out (fainting)
- Feeling tired
- Chest pain
- Trouble getting enough breath
- Cold or painful extremities (hands, feet)
- Nausea
- Problems exercising
Researchers are not sure yet what exactly causes POTS. Currently, they think there are multiple causes, which they've grouped into different subtypes of POTS. POTS can be addressed by modifying your behavior or through medication.
