Do you feel dizzy, lightheaded or like your heart is racing every time you stand up? If your heart rate jumps when you move from lying down to standing, you may have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
At Banner Health, our experts are here to help you understand this condition, provide a proper diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan. We’re committed to improving your quality of life with expert care and support.
Schedule an appointment today.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a disorder that can make you feel faint or dizzy. POTS occurs when your body doesn’t adjust as it should when standing or sitting up from a seated or lying position (known as orthostatic intolerance).
POTS is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This system controls body functions we don’t consciously control, such as heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, digestion and body temperature. Each word of POTS has a meaning:
When a person stands up, their body’s ANS will usually cause blood vessels in the lower part of your body (or legs) to narrow and push blood quickly back to the heart and the brain. Because of this response, there is only a small increase in heart rate.
In people with POTS, however, the ANS doesn’t work in the usual way. Their blood vessels don’t tighten enough to make sure blood flows to their brain. This causes a higher-than-usual heart rate increase, sometimes rising by dozens of beats per minute, making them feel like they need to sit down.
At Banner Health, our specialists use advanced diagnostic tools, such as tilt table testing, to understand how POTS affects you and tailor your care.
While the main symptom of POTS is an increased heart rate after standing, you may experience a wide range of symptoms, such as:
These symptoms can vary in intensity and can affect daily life. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, our POTS specialists at Banner Health can help.
Schedule a consultation today to start your journey to better health.
The exact cause of POTS is not always clear. Researchers believe it can have more than one cause, and symptoms may begin after a physical stressor such as an illness, surgery or injury.
Our specialists work to identify the type of POTS you may have so we can create a treatment plan tailored to you.
This type is linked to damage in the small nerve fibers that help control blood vessel tightening. When you stand, the blood vessels in your legs and lower body do not narrow as they should. Blood pools in the lower body instead of returning efficiently to the heart and brain, leading to dizziness and a rapid heart rate.
This type involves overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system — the part responsible for the “fight or flight” response. When standing, the body releases too much adrenaline. This can cause a significant increase in heart rate and sometimes an increase in blood pressure, along with shakiness or anxiety-like symptoms.
This type occurs when blood volume is lower than normal. With less circulating blood, the heart must work harder to maintain blood flow when you stand. Increasing fluids and sodium intake may be especially important for people with this type.
Secondary POTS develops because of another medical condition. It may be associated with:
Some people develop POTS after a viral infection. Post-viral POTS has become more common following COVID-19 and other illnesses.
All types of POTS involve difficulty regulating heart rate and blood flow when moving to an upright position. However, the underlying cause can differ. Understanding your specific type helps guide treatment decisions and improve symptom control.
POTS can affect people of all genders and age groups. However, most cases are diagnosed in women ages 15 to 50.
You’re at higher risk for POTS after experiencing the following stressors and life events:
You should talk to a provider if:
Diagnosing POTS can be difficult because many symptoms may overlap with other conditions. At Banner Health, we use state-of-the-art tools and expertise to pinpoint your condition.
There is no single test to diagnose POTS, but your health care provider will review your medical history and perform a physical exam.
POTS is typically diagnosed when heart rate increases by 30 beats per minute or more within 10 minutes of standing (or 40 beats per minute in adolescents), without a significant drop in blood pressure.
Your provider may run several tests, including an echocardiogram, cardiopulmonary testing, blood and urine tests, a stand test and a tilt table test.
A tilt table test is the gold standard for diagnosis. You are strapped to a table and then tilted from lying on your back into an upright position (standing) while your heart rate and blood pressure are measured. Our team will guide you every step of the way, from testing to treatment. Schedule your evaluation now.
While there is no cure for POTS, Banner Health provides comprehensive care to help you manage your symptoms and live a fuller life. Treatment may include:
Physical therapy: Regular exercise can improve your body’s ability to handle changes in posture and blood flow. Work with a physical therapist to learn what physical activity you can do, then slowly work up from there. As your blood circulation improves, exercise intensity may be gradually increased.
Lifestyle changes: Changes to your diet and daily life can help with your blood volume and reduce your symptoms. These can include:
Our team collaborates with you to create a personalized care plan that works for your lifestyle and goals.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved any medication for POTS treatment. However, your health care provider might prescribe medications off-label to help with your heart rate and blood pressure. These medications include:
Most people notice their symptoms get better with medications and lifestyle changes and/or symptoms improve over time. However, symptoms may flare without warning.
See your health care provider for regular check-ups. If you can, keep a journal to help you better identify things that may trigger symptoms. Limit activities that may trigger your POTS. Take frequent snack breaks and drink plenty of water.
POTS may also take a toll on your mental health. Talk to a behavioral health specialist about how your symptoms impact your life. Seek the support of friends and family. Consider joining a support group to help reduce the feeling of being alone. Many people with POTS feel frustrated after years of unexplained symptoms. Behavioral health support can help you cope with the emotional impact of chronic illness.
At Banner Health, we’re leaders in diagnosing and treating POTS and other autonomic disorders. Here’s why patients choose us:
No. POTS is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that affects heart rate and blood flow. While symptoms such as a racing heart, shakiness and feeling nervous can look similar to anxiety, POTS has a physical cause. Some people with POTS are mistakenly told their symptoms are anxiety before receiving the correct diagnosis.
Yes. Some people develop POTS after a viral illness, including COVID-19. This is sometimes called post-viral POTS. Symptoms may begin weeks after infection and can include dizziness, rapid heart rate, fatigue and brain fog when standing.
For many people, symptoms improve over time with treatment and lifestyle changes. Some people experience significant improvement within a few years, especially adolescents and young adults. Others may have symptoms that come and go. Regular follow-up with your provider can help manage flare-ups and adjust treatment as needed.
POTS is not usually life-threatening, but it can significantly affect daily life. Fainting episodes can increase the risk of falls or injury. Severe symptoms may interfere with work, school and exercise. With proper diagnosis and management, most people can reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.
POTS is typically diagnosed when heart rate increases by 30 beats per minute or more within 10 minutes of standing in adults (40 beats per minute or more in adolescents), without a significant drop in blood pressure. Your provider may use a stand test or a tilt table test to measure your heart rate and blood pressure changes when moving from lying down to standing.
Don’t wait to take control of your POTS symptoms. Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health specialist today. We’re here to help you feel your best.
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