POSTURAL ORTHOSTATIC TACHYCARDIA SYNDROME (POTS)

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a circulatory disorder caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction. In this condition, a person’s heart rate suddenly increases when changing posture from sitting or lying to standing. 

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POTS- Postural-Orthostatic-Tachycardia-Syndrome

WHAT IS POTS?

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome is a relatively uncommon condition associated with dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. A healthy ANS regulates involuntary functions, like breathing, heart rate, BP, and body temperature. It helps maintain steady blood circulation throughout the body. In POTS, the nervous system cannot function properly, which causes an abnormal and abrupt increase in your heart rate after sitting up or standing up.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF POTS?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome can develop from multiple underlying factors. Common contributors include dehydration, bacterial or viral infections, impaired blood pressure regulation, autoimmune conditions, and excessive adrenergic nervous system activity. In many cases, POTS results from a combination of these mechanisms rather than a single cause.

SYMPTOMS OF POTS

POTS may show a range of symptoms that vary from person to person, such as:

  • Heart Palpitations
  • Dizziness or Fainting
  • Breathlessness
  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Headache or Migraine
  • Chest Pain (Angina)
  • Sleep Apnoea

HOW TO DIAGNOSE POSTURAL TACHYCARDIA SYNDROME?

Because POTS symptoms often overlap with other conditions, an accurate diagnosis is critical. Dr Francesco Lo Monaco is a leading specialist in heart rhythm disorders and POTS, with extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing complex cardiovascular conditions.

Patients may undergo some tests, such as an ECG, heart ultrasound (Echo), Active Stand Test, or Tilt test, to accurately diagnose POTS:

Active Stand Test

Blood pressure and heart rate are measured while lying down and again after standing for 5 minutes. A sharp rise in heart rate without a drop in blood pressure supports a POTS diagnosis.

Head-up Tilt Test

The patient is secured to a table that gradually tilts to an upright position while heart rate and blood pressure are continuously monitored.

TREATMENT OF POTS

There is currently no single cure for POTS, but early diagnosis and proper management can significantly help manage the condition. Dr Francesco Lo Monaco takes a patient-centred approach, working closely with each person to understand their symptoms and triggers and to devise a personalised treatment plan. 

  • Physical Activity

    Regular physical activity (walking, swimming, yoga) improves blood circulation, strengthens the cardiovascular system, and reduces symptom severity over time. Dr Monaco helps patients develop a gradual, personalised activity plan tailored to their tolerance levels.

  • Hydration

    Adequate hydration (drinking 2-3 litres of water) is essential for maintaining blood volume and stable circulation. Patients receive clear guidance to support proper hydration, which can help reduce dizziness, fatigue, and tachycardia.

  • Stress Management

    Reducing your stress level can help you manage POTS effectively. Being relaxed and stress-free is the key to managing multiple cardiac issues, including POTS. 

  • Medication

    Sometimes, lifestyle changes alone are not enough to manage POTS. In this case, Dr Francesco prescribes medications to reduce symptom severity and regulate heart rate effectively.

WHO IS AT MORE RISK?

Women are more commonly diagnosed with POTS, particularly between 15 and 50 years of age. The condition is also more likely to develop among individuals with specific triggers or underlying factors. Risk increases when symptoms appear alongside:

  • Autoimmune Conditions
  • Surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Physical Trauma or Injury
  • Serious Infection, such as COVID-19 or glandular fever

BOOK PRIVATE POTS TREATMENT IN LONDON

Dr Francesco Lo Monaco specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of POTS, arrhythmias, palpitations, and unexplained heart symptoms. Schedule your consultation with Dr Monaco, a private POTS specialist in London, for expert assessment and long-term cardiovascular risks. 

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FAQs

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome is often considered an invisible disability because its symptoms can limit a person’s ability to work, study, and carry out daily activities.

POTS stands for Postural Tachycardia Syndrome:

  • Postural refers to body position
  • Tachycardia means an abnormally fast heart rate
  • Syndrome refers to a group of related symptoms

The exact cause of POTS is still not clear, but dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system is considered the leading cause. Other reasons may include blood flow abnormalities during posture changes, dehydration, and a sedentary lifestyle. 

POTS is not a structural heart disease. It affects heart rate regulation rather than cardiac function, and it typically does not cause direct damage to the heart.