What Is POTS?
What Is POTS?
Understanding POTS: From dizziness and fatigue to fainting episodes, a University of Utah expert explains a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system.
A University of Utah Neurologist Explains a Commonly Misunderstood Condition
Researchers estimate that millions of people may be living with POTS, many without a formal diagnosis. The condition is more commonly diagnosed in women and younger adults and may develop after a viral illness, surgery, concussion, or other major physical stress.
“Many patients spend years searching for answers before they receive a diagnosis,” says Melissa Cortez, DO, a nationally known expert in POTS at the University of Utah. “Greater awareness can help people — and their primary care providers — recognize symptoms earlier and connect with appropriate care.”
POTS has gained increased, even viral, public attention in recent years, leading many people to ask questions about the condition, its symptoms, and how it affects daily life.
Dr. Cortez says the growing awareness is creating an opportunity to educate people about a condition that is real, complex, and often misunderstood.
What Is POTS?
POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
It affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls automatic body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and digestion.
When someone with POTS stands up, the body can have trouble keeping up with blood flow, leading to a cascade of related symptoms. The most common symptoms are caused by the heart, which begins beating much faster than normal (aka, tachycardia and related symptoms, stemming from rapid heartbeat) as the body tries to maintain circulation to the brain.
Common POTS symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Fainting or near-fainting episodes
Symptoms range from mild to debilitating. For many patients, getting a diagnosis can take years and numerous specialist evaluations.
Can POTS Cause Someone to Pass Out?
Some people with POTS experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting episodes. Symptoms may become worse with dehydration, heat, illness, stress, or standing for long periods.
But Dr. Cortez cautions that POTS affects every patient differently.
“POTS exists on a spectrum,” she says. “Some patients experience primarily fatigue and episodes of dizziness, while others may have more significant cardiovascular symptoms, including loss of consciousness.”
How University of Utah Researchers Are Advancing POTS Research
University of Utah Health researchers in the Neurology Department are helping advance national understanding of POTS and other autonomic nervous system disorders.
Researchers are studying:
- How the nervous system regulates heart rate and blood pressure
- Why symptoms vary so dramatically between patients
- New approaches to diagnosis and treatment
- How autonomic disorders affect daily life and long-term health
University of Utah Health specialists in the Autonomic Dysfunction Clinic also care for patients with complex autonomic disorders and POTS symptoms that interfere with work, school, exercise, and daily activities.
Dr. Cortez’s ADaPT Protocol improves patients’ lives through physical therapy tailored to “adapt” to daily symptoms. And primary care providers can learn more about POTS by attending the POTS & Beyond Conference at the University of Utah, held both in person and virtually.
Is POTS Treatable?
There is no single cure for POTS, but many patients improve with treatment and symptom management.
Care plans may include:
- Hydration and nutrition strategies
- Physical therapy and exercise programs
- Lifestyle modifications
- Medications
- Ongoing neurological and/or other subspecialty care
Frequently Asked Questions About POTS
What does POTS stand for?
POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.
Is POTS a neurological disorder?
Yes. POTS affects the autonomic nervous system, which is part of the nervous system responsible for regulating automatic body functions.
What are common symptoms of POTS?
Common symptoms include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, brain fog, nausea, and fainting or near-fainting episodes.
Can POTS cause fainting or blackout?
Some patients with POTS experience loss of consciousness, though symptoms vary significantly between individuals.
How is POTS diagnosed?
Doctors may use medical history, heart rate monitoring, blood pressure testing, tilt table testing, and other autonomic evaluations to diagnose POTS.
Is POTS treatable?
Many patients improve with treatment strategies that may include hydration, exercise programs, medications, and symptom management.
Article reviewed by Melissa Cortez, DO, General Neurology Division Chief for the University of Utah Department of Neurology.
More Resources about POTS from University of Utah Health
Support POTS Research, Patient Care, and Specialist Trainees
Growing awareness of POTS is helping more patients seek diagnosis and treatment as well as helping researchers better understand the condition.
Your support can help the University of Utah Neurology Department advance new discoveries, train new autonomic disorder specialists, and enable patient access to appropriate neurological care.
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