THE HEART BEAT CLINIC

 Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that many people live with—but few fully understand. Often affecting the autonomic nervous system , POTS causes the body to react inappropriately to standing, leading to a rapid heart rate, dizziness, fatigue, and even fainting. Although it can significantly disrupt daily life, POTS remains underdiagnosed. In this post, we explore the basics of POTS and how awareness, education, and specialized care centers like POTS.net are making a difference. What Is POTS? POTS is one of several types of dysautonomia , a disorder of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). When someone with POTS stands up, their heart rate increases abnormally—often by 30 beats per minute or more—without a corresponding drop in blood pressure. Common symptoms include: Lightheadedness Fatigue Palpitations Nausea Brain fog Sweating or cold extremities This happens due to an imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic n...

  Exploring the link between low blood volume and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) For many people living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) , the struggle goes far beyond dizziness and fast heartbeats. One underlying cause that’s often overlooked? Low blood volume , also known as hypovolemia . Understanding how blood volume impacts the autonomic nervous system may be the key to uncovering why symptoms occur and how to manage them more effectively. What Is Hypovolemia? Hypovolemia is a condition characterized by reduced blood plasma volume circulating in the body. It can result from dehydration, blood loss, or abnormalities in blood distribution. In patients with POTS , this reduction often contributes to the body’s inability to maintain normal blood pressure and heart rate during postural changes. When a person with hypovolemia stands up, their body struggles to push enough blood back to the heart and brain. This results in tachycardia ,...