This presentation, by Dr. Janet Weaver, provides an introduction to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, also known as POTS. The goal of the presentation is to help family members and friends understand POTS so they can help those suffering from POTS disease better address their symptoms.

1. POTS Syndrome
By Janet Weaver MD
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome:
Symptoms, Treatments, Diagnosis, & More

2. What is POTS Syndrome?
• POTS stands for “Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome”
– This is scientific talk for increased heart rate upon standing.
• Patients suffering from POTS experience dizziness or fainting upon
standing or getting up from a seated position.
• The cause is due to patients blood vessels not being constricted enough,
which prevents enough blood flow from getting to the brain upon
standing.
• As a result, the heart starts to beat faster in order to compensate, usually
about 30 BPM faster than the average person in peopling suffering from
postural orthostatic tachycardia.
• There are two forms of POTS – Hypo and Andro

3. Demographics of Patients with POTS
• POTS commonly affects females.
• POTS patients tend to be younger and often show signs after
the onset of puberty.
– The cause of POTS has a big impact on the demographic and
psychographic profile of the individual affected with POTS.

4. Diagnosis of POTS Syndrome
• The disease isn’t difficult to diagnose, but many physicians
aren’t aware of the symptoms so it’s often misdiagnosed.
– Misdiagnosis is usually anxiety or depression and patient is
referred to psychiatrist
• Common POTS Diagnostic Tests
– Tilt Table Test
– Blood tests
– Heart Rate Upon Standing

5. Most Common Symptoms of POTS
Syndrome
• Fatigue
• Dizziness upon Standing
• Head rushes
• Headaches (Sometimes migraines)
• Cold Sweats
• Passing Out After Standing
• Stomach Pains or Cramps
• Brain Fog or Cognitive Confusion
• Dark Red or Purple Legs

6. Common Treatments of POTS Syndrome
• Medications
– Beta Blockers – Prevent restriction of blood
vessels
– Benzodiazepines – Help w/ anxiety, insomnia,
and restlessness
• Diets low in gluten and high in sodium
• Exercise and avoiding staying in bed all day long
• Staying Hydrated

7. Common Challenges Faced by Patients
with POTS
• Starting an exercise regimen tends to be more
difficult.
• Social anxiety from fear of fainting in social setting
• Attending work & school is hard due to stronger
symptoms in the morning.
• Frustration due to others misunderstanding the
disease.

8. Causes of POTS Syndrome
• Exposure To Chemicals
• Hypermethylation
• Diabetes
• Lesions
• Nitric Oxide Deficit
• Thyroid Disease
• Liver Disease
• Anemia
• Tumors
• Anemia
• Lupus
• Angiotensin II
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Cardiac Atrophy
• Mitochondrial Disease
• Electrical Cardiac Abnormalities
• Chiari Malformation
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Neuropathy
• Tummy Tuck Surgery
• Sicca Syndrome
• Gastric Bypass Surgery
• Injury By Electrical Voltage
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Addison'S Disease,
• Parasites
• Adrenal Disorders
• Viruses

9. What POTS Syndrome Patients Should Avoid
• Extreme Heat
• Donating Blood
• Getting Dehydrated
• Lifting Objects Over 10 Pounds
• Coffee
• Extra Large Meals
• Foods High In Gluten
• Alcohol
• Standing Up Quickly
• Holding Arms In Air For Extended Period Of Time
• Energy Drinks
• Anesthesia Without Supervision Of Physician
• Stressful Work Environments
• Climbing Large Flights Of Stairs

10. References
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25706664
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25546918
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25882168
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25829642
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25816441
• http://myheart.net/pots-syndrome/
• http://www.physio-pedia.com/Postural_Tachycardia_Syndrome_%28POTS%29