What is P.O.T.S?

P.O.T.S is the abbreviation of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a Autonomic disorder that causes Orthostatic Intolerance. Orthostatic Intolerance is the change in heart rate (tachycardia) from standing to sitting/lying down position. In a normal person the heart rate will increase about 2 beats per minute, while those with P.O.T.S will have an average increase of 30 bpm. It also takes blood flow away from the heart and brain, and supplies it to the lower extremities.

The Symptoms of P.O.T.S can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include dizziness upon standing, lightheadedness, black outs, headaches, and fainting. It can even cause some people to be almost permanently bedridden. Those suffering with P.O.T.S often have extreme or chronic fatigue, un-refreshing sleep, and very low energy throughout the day.

There is no one known cause for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Many believe it can be caused by viral or bacterial infections such as mononucleosis, after a traumatic event or those suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and it is also seen in teens during rapid growth periods.

There is also no known cure. Most doctors or specialists prefer to treat patients according to their symptoms rather then the Disorder itself, because the symptoms and severity range so drastically. The most common treatments are any kind of medicine to increase blood pressure, a change of diet to include higher amounts of sodium, and light exercise. The main goal is to provide upper extremities with more blood flow rather then loosing blood flow to the lower extremities.

The two main ways to diagnose P.O.T.S is either with a tilt table or taking a laying down blood pressure and heart rate reading and also a standing heart rate and blood pressure reading and seeing how high the increase is from laying down to standing up.


P.O.T.S is mostly seen in teens, more so females of the menstruating age, after growth spurts or bacteria or viral infections. Usually, the symptoms seem to almost or fully go away within early adulthood.


Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome can be severely debilitating and hard to deal with. In my own experiences, I have gotten better over time, and been able to really learn about this disorder and help me to learn more about myself. I have encountered those who don't believe me or think I am "exaggerating" for whatever reasons, so I know first hand how you can feel with this. Many people do not understand the symptoms that go along with this and can deem those suffering with P.O.T.S careless and lazy. My family and I have dealt with friends, neighbors, and have even had to fight the school trying to get me help with this. It can be awful and extremely difficult but keep your head up, there are so many others who also have this, so know you are not alone in this battle. It will get better.