Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (patient information)
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Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome |
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Where to find medical care for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome? |
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Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome On the Web |
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant-Editor-In-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty
Overview
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a condition in which when a person transitions from a supine (lying down) position to standing upright there is an insufficient amount of blood that returns back to the heart due to poor circulation. This lack of blood traveling back to the heart causes an immediate decrease in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate which could lead to lightheadedness, fainting, and extreme fatigue.
What are the symptoms of Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome?
Symptoms of Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome can include:
- Increase in heart rate from supine to upright position of more than 30bpm or to a heart rate of 120 bpm within 10 minutes of standing
- Decrease in blood pressure which can lead to:
- Lightheadedness
- Syncope (fainting)
- Exercise intolerance
- Fatigue
- Poor blood flow to the organs and upper parts of the body which can lead to:
- Cold hands
- Chest pain
- Muscle weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Vision problems
- Brain fog
- Depression
- Anomia (word finding problems)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Inappropriate levels of hormones
- Chills
- Fear
- Sweating
- Feeling nervous
What are the causes of Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome?
The cause of Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome remains unknown. However, most people develop POTS in their teenage years and see a gradual improvement in their mid-twenties. Others develop Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome after:
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Mononucleosis
- Pneumonia
- Trauma or injury
- After or during pregnancy
Who is at highest risk?
Women ages 15-20 years old.
Diagnosis
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is often difficult to diagnose and is commonly misdiagnosed as an anxiety or psychogenic disorder.
Tests used to diagnose POTs can include:
- A tilt table test
Tests are also needed to rule out other diseases including:
- Addison's disease
- Pheochromocytoma
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Lyme disease
- Celiac disease
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Food allergies
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome