Content Warning / Educational Disclaimer: This article post contains sensitive topics and reflects Open College UK Limited’s opinions for informational purposes only.

If you’ve never heard of POTS, you’re not alone. A lot of people haven’t, even though it affects thousands of people worldwide. It stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, and while that’s a mouthful, understanding what it does to the body is much more important than remembering the name.

Simply put, POTS affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls things like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. When it goes haywire, a lot of things can go wrong—and people with POTS feel the effects every day.

If you’re curious about POTS or suspect you might have it, knowing the symptoms is the first step to understanding this condition better. So, let’s dive in.

What Exactly Is POTS?

POTS is a condition associated with an increase in heart rate when standing.

This is often described as an increase of around 30 beats per minute or more, which sounds like a lot, right? Normally, your body adjusts to standing up without you even noticing. But in people with POTS, the body’s response is out of whack, causing symptoms that can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms of POTS You Should Be Aware Of

Now, let’s get into the symptoms. While POTS affects everyone differently, these are the most common signs that something isn’t quite right.

1. A Racing Heart

The most obvious and frequent symptom of POTS is a racing heart. And I’m not talking about a little extra thump-thump here and there. In some cases, standing up can cause your heart rate to spike by more than 30 bpm, and for many, it can hit 120 bpm or higher. It’s like you just ran a sprint, but you’re not actually moving. This can leave you feeling winded, panicked, or just plain uncomfortable.

2. Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Anyone who has stood up too quickly and gotten dizzy knows the feeling. But for people with POTS, this can happen frequently. When standing, they may feel lightheaded or close to fainting. This may be related to orthostatic hypotension, and it’s no fun. Sometimes it gets so bad that people actually faint or feel like they might. It’s not just an inconvenience—it can really affect day-to-day life.

3. Fatigue (But Not the Usual Kind)

If you’re tired all the time, you know how draining that can be. But for someone with POTS, the fatigue is on a whole different level. It’s like having a constant cloud of exhaustion hanging over you, no matter how much you sleep. People often report feeling completely wiped out, even after a full night’s rest. It’s the kind of tired that makes getting through even a simple day feel like a major accomplishment.

4. Brain Fog

Brain fog is another frustrating symptom. Imagine trying to focus on a task, but it feels like your brain is in a thick cloud, and everything is slow and fuzzy. That’s what brain fog feels like for many with POTS. It makes concentrating, working, or even just remembering things a real struggle. For some, it’s one of the most debilitating aspects of the condition.

5. Gut Troubles

Stomach issues are pretty common in people with POTS. From bloating and nausea to constipation and diarrhea, digestive problems can be a regular part of life. The autonomic nervous system controls digestion, so when it’s not functioning properly, it can throw your whole system off. It can feel like your body’s digestive process is stuck in overdrive or not working at all.

6. Exercise Isn’t What It Used to Be

Many people with POTS struggle with exercise. You might think physical activity would help, exercise can sometimes worsen symptoms. After even a light workout, people report feeling completely drained, with heart palpitations and dizziness lasting for hours. It’s like your body is too tired to handle physical exertion, and this exercise intolerance can make it harder to stay active and healthy.

7. Temperature Troubles

If you’re someone who gets cold easily or has trouble regulating your body temperature, you’re not alone—this is a common symptom of POTS. Some people feel overheated even when it’s cold outside, while others can’t seem to get warm, no matter how many layers they put on. It’s not just uncomfortable—it can be downright annoying when you can’t figure out how to keep your body at a normal temperature.

8. Chest Pain (But Not the Heart Attack Kind)

Chest pain is another symptom that can pop up in people with POTS. And while it’s concerning, may not always be related to heart problems. Instead, it’s a result of the heart rate increase and circulation changes. The chest pain might feel sharp or like pressure, it is often non-cardiac in origin, but should still be medically assessed. However, if you experience chest pain, it’s always good to check in with a doctor just to rule out any other issues.

9. Headaches and Migraines

Migraines and tension headaches are commonly reported by people with POTS. The combination of changes in blood pressure, dehydration, and the overall strain on your body can trigger these painful headaches. They can make an already tough day even harder to get through, especially when you’re dealing with other symptoms like dizziness or fatigue.

10. Sleep Struggles

Getting quality sleep with POTS can be nearly impossible for some. Whether it’s trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling just as exhausted as when you went to bed, sleep disturbances are a huge issue. And since POTS is already draining enough, not getting proper rest can make things even worse.

11. Cold Extremities and Colour Changes

Some people with POTS notice that their hands and feet feel cold or even change colour. This is because blood flow gets directed away from the extremities in order to keep the vital organs (like the brain) properly supplied. As a result, people may notice their fingers and toes turning blue or purple, which is definitely unsettling.

12. Orthostatic Hypotension

As mentioned earlier, orthostatic hypotension occurs when the pressure of your blood goes too low when you arise onto your feet. It can make you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or even faint. For some, it’s one of the most challenging symptoms of POTS, as it can occur multiple times a day with no warning.

How It Affects Life

Living with POTS is anything but easy. The unpredictability of the symptoms makes it tough to plan anything. You could wake up feeling okay, only to have your day derailed by dizziness or extreme fatigue a few hours later. It can make everything feel like a challenge, from going to work to spending time with friends or family.

Emotionally, it can also be tough. Because POTS is so under-recognized, people might not understand what you’re going through. It’s not always easy to explain how these invisible symptoms can make your life feel harder. Finding support from others with POTS, or good counsellors who understands the condition, and the anxiety it brings can really help.

What to Do If You Think You Have POTS

If you think you might have POTS, getting a diagnosis is the first step. It’s not always easy to figure out because the symptoms overlap with so many other conditions. But once you have a diagnosis, you can start figuring out the best way to manage it. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan, and management strategies may include lifestyle adjustments recommended by a healthcare professional. Medications may be prescribed by a doctor to help manage symptoms.

Final Thoughts

POTS may not be something you hear about often, but it’s a real condition that affects a lot of people. It can be difficult to live with, but with the right diagnosis and support, you can manage the symptoms and get back to living a more comfortable life. If you think you might have POTS, don’t wait to talk to a doctor—it’s worth getting checked out, especially if your symptoms are affecting your daily routine.

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