POTS, like all dysautonomias, is characterized by dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system which controls many involuntary physiological functions including blood pressure, heart rate, blood vessel and pupil diameter, movements of the digestive tract, and body temperature. POTS patients can suffer from a wide range of symptoms that are ultimately connected by the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.
Postural tachycardia: heart rate above 120 beats per minute while standing or an increase in heart rate by 30 beats per minute for an adult or 40 beats per minute in an adolescent when going from laying to standing in the presence of other symptoms.
Orthostatic intolerance: increased symptoms when upright compared with laying or sitting.
POTS Symptoms
Orthostatic Symptoms (develop when upright and relieved when recline) Kavi 2022
More than 90% of POTS patients have
- Light-headedness, pre-syncope
- Palpitations, heart racing
More than 80% of POTS patients have
- Breathlessness
More than 70% of POTS patients have
- Atypical chest pain
- Tremulousness
- Blurred vision
Other common symptoms
- Syncope
- Sweating
Symptoms not necessarily associated with posture Kavi 2022
More than 90% of POTS patients have
- Cognitive impairment, brain fog
- Frequent nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
More than 80% of POTS patients have
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle pain/weakness
- Cold hands/feet
More than 70% of POTS patients have
- Bloating/constipation
- Hand tingling
Other common symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Poor sleep
- Exercise intolerance
A person with POTS may not have all of these symptoms, and some may be more sporadic while others are constant. Every person with POTS is different, and individualized treatment is required to get the best clinical outcome.