Understanding POTS: Living with a Hidden Disorder of the Autonomic Nervous System By Fabby Peterson | Guest Contributor

 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 nervous systems, which control our “fight or flight” and “rest and digest” responses. For a deeper dive into how these systems influence POTS symptoms, check out this informative article on Medium.

---

Who Does It Affect?

While POTS can develop in anyone, it's most commonly seen in women aged 15–50. It may appear after a viral illness, pregnancy, surgery, or physical trauma. It’s also commonly associated with autoimmune conditions, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and mast cell disorders.

Symptoms often mimic anxiety or panic attacks, which can lead to misdiagnosis. However, the root cause lies in physical dysfunction—not psychological origin.

---

Diagnosis & Awareness

Diagnosing POTS involves tests like the tilt table test or an active standing test. Diagnosis usually requires documenting a consistent rise in heart rate within 10 minutes of standing without a significant drop in blood pressure.

Unfortunately, many patients face years of frustration and misdiagnoses. That’s why awareness efforts and patient-centered care—like those provided by The Heartbeat Clinic—are so important.

---

Finding the Right Support

Living with POTS means adapting daily life—from hydration routines to pacing physical activity. But equally important is finding knowledgeable healthcare professionals who understand autonomic dysfunction.

Organizations like POTS.net offer a patient-first approach with specialized services, education, and research focused on POTS and dysautonomia care. Their commitment to clinical excellence and patient advocacy has made them a go-to resource for individuals navigating this condition.

---

Building Awareness Through Education

At Crossway Consulting, we believe in the power of storytelling and SEO-driven content to elevate important health conversations. Whether you’re a patient, advocate, or healthcare provider, sharing factual, well-researched information on conditions like POTS can lead to earlier diagnoses, improved care, and a more supportive community.

---

About the Author
Fabby Peterson is the founder of Crossway Consulting, an agency helping healthcare brands connect with patients through strategic content and SEO. She specializes in medical writing, digital growth, and patient-focused storytelling.

Want to learn more? Explore in-depth insights on POTS and the nervous system here or visit www.pots.net for trusted patient resources.