Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is when the heart rate increases abnormally, occurring after sitting up or standing.
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Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is when the heart rate increases abnormally, occurring after sitting up or standing. Whilst it affects various types of people, it is most common in girls and women 15 to 50 years old.
Sitting up or standing pulls the blood down to your lower abdominal area, hands and feet. In doing so the blood vessels narrow quickly and your heart rate increases to maintain blood flow to the brain and heart. It is your autonomic nervous system that does this without thinking.
Those with PoTS have an autonomic nervous system that doesn’t work properly, so when there is a drop-in blood supply to the heart and brain when sitting up or standing, the heart races to compensate for this.
The most common cause of PoTS is when people have a problem with their nervous system. It can develop suddenly after a viral illness or traumatic event. Other known causes include:
PoTS can come on suddenly or can gradually develop over time but symptoms usually appear with a few minutes of sitting up or standing. These symptoms include:
Some women find symptoms are worse when they are on their period. You can read more about the symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
If your heart rate increases by 30 beats per minute or more after 10 minutes of standing, PoTS will likely be diagnosed. And whilst self-care is usually the best course of treatment, the following tests are available to make a firm diagnosis:
PoTS requires specialist management.
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Our Heart Health specialists at OneWelbeck in London are leaders in their field. They are equipped with the latest diagnostic medical technology at custom-built, day-case facilities to investigate any symptoms and ensure you receive the best available care.