In-Depth POTS Symptom Guide: Recognize and Manage Your Symptoms

Living with POTS can feel overwhelming due to its wide range of symptoms. From dizziness and fatigue to more unusual symptoms like coat hanger pain, understanding what you’re experiencing is crucial for managing this condition.

This in-depth POTS symptom guide is here to help you identify and track your symptoms, so you can work with your healthcare provider to create a personalized treatment plan. We’ll look at the most common and some less common symptoms of POTS and explore strategies to manage them.

Essential Takeaways:

• Symptom Variability is Common in POTS: POTS can cause a wide range of symptoms that vary greatly from person to person. Recognizing this variability can help you understand your unique symptom patterns and seek appropriate treatment.
  
  

• Tracking Symptoms is Key to Management: Keeping a detailed record of your POTS symptoms, including their frequency, severity, and potential triggers, can improve your ability to manage the condition and communicate effectively with your healthcare providers.

By recognizing POTS symptoms better and learning how to track them, you can take charge of your health and improve your quality of life. So let’s get started on this journey together!

• What Are the Common Symptoms of POTS?
• Understanding Unusual POTS Symptoms
• How to Recognize and Track Your Symptoms
• Effective Strategies for Managing POTS Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Help
• Empower Yourself with Knowledge About POTS Symptoms

What Are the Common Symptoms of POTS?

POTS is known for its wide array of symptoms, but some are more common than others. Understanding these common symptoms is the first step in managing POTS effectively.

Recognizing Your Unique POTS Experience

Everyone's journey with POTS is unique, and identifying what triggers or worsens your symptoms can help you develop a personalized POTS management plan with your healthcare provider.

Let's talk about some common experiences you might have with POTS. 

Dizziness and Lightheadedness

For many POTS patients, standing up feels like stepping into a merry-go-round. This dizziness, often accompanied by lightheadedness, is typically worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting or lying down. It’s caused by a drop in blood flow to the brain when you stand up.

Rapid Heart Rate (Tachycardia)

The hallmark symptom of POTS is an abnormal increase in heart rate upon standing. You might feel like your heart is racing or pounding, especially when you change positions. This rapid heartbeat is your body’s attempt to compensate for the drop in blood pressure.

Fatigue

POTS-related fatigue isn’t just feeling tired – it’s an overwhelming exhaustion that can make even simple tasks feel impossible. This fatigue can be persistent and may worsen after activity or at the end of the day.

Brain Fog

Many POTS patients describe feeling mentally cloudy or fuzzy. This “brain fog” can make it difficult to concentrate, remember things, and think clearly.

Weakness

Muscle weakness, particularly in the legs, is common in POTS. You might feel like your legs are heavy or that they might give out, especially when standing for long periods.

Nausea

Some POTS patients experience nausea, particularly in the morning or after eating. This can be related to changes in blood flow to the digestive system.

Exercise Intolerance

Physical activity can be challenging for people with POTS. You might find that even light exercise leaves you feeling exhausted, dizzy, or with an unusually rapid heart rate.

Symptom Connections in POTS

POTS symptoms don’t always occur one at a time. Often, one symptom can trigger or worsen others, creating a domino effect. For example:

• When you experience dizziness upon standing, you might feel the need to sit down quickly. This sudden movement can sometimes trigger or worsen nausea.

• Fatigue can make it harder to concentrate, potentially intensifying the brain fog you’re already experiencing.

• Rapid heart rate can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, which in turn might exacerbate other symptoms like tremors or sweating.

Understanding these connections can help you anticipate and manage your symptoms more effectively. For instance, if you know that standing up quickly often leads to dizziness and nausea, you can practice standing up more slowly and in stages to minimize these effects (1).

By recognizing how your symptoms interact, you can work with your healthcare provider to develop more comprehensive management strategies that address multiple symptoms at once.

Understanding Unusual POTS Symptoms

While the symptoms above are widely recognized, POTS can manifest in some surprising ways. It's important to remember that your experience with POTS is unique, and all your symptoms are valid. Not every POTS patient will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary greatly from person to person.

Some symptoms may also fluctuate over time or in response to triggers like heat, dehydration, or stress. Let’s look at some of the less common, or “unusual,” symptoms that you might encounter on your POTS journey.

Temperature Regulation Issues

You may find yourself struggling with controlling your body temperature. You might feel excessively hot or cold, or experience excessive sweating, even in comfortable environments. This is due to dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system, which is what regulates body temperature.

Gastrointestinal Problems

In addition to nausea, POTS can cause various digestive issues. These might include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or feeling full quickly when eating.

These symptoms often occur together, making it difficult to get enough nutrition and affecting overall quality of life. Remember, it's okay to seek help and support in managing these symptoms.

Visual Disturbances

Some people living with POTS report visual symptoms like blurred vision, tunnel vision, or seeing spots. These are typically worse when standing and are related to reduced blood flow to the eyes.

Chest Pain

While not as common, some people with POTS experience chest pain or discomfort. This can be alarming, but in POTS, it’s usually not related to heart problems. Always consult a doctor if you experience chest pain to rule out other conditions.

Tremors

Fine tremors, particularly in the hands, are reported by some POTS patients. These might be more noticeable when holding objects or during periods of increased symptoms.

Sleep Disturbances

POTS can interfere with sleep in various ways. You might have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling refreshed even after a full night’s rest. Some patients also experience vivid dreams or night sweats.

Remember, good sleep is crucial for your overall well-being, so don't hesitate to discuss sleep issues with your healthcare provider.

Adrenaline Surges

Some POTS patients, particularly those with hyperadrenergic POTS, experience sudden surges of adrenaline. This can happen at unexpected times, even during sleep, leading to feelings of anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty sleeping.

This is due to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which controls the “fight or flight” response.

Sensory Overload

POTS can make some patients more sensitive to sensory stimuli. You might find yourself easily overwhelmed by crowds, loud noises, bright lights, or busy environments. This sensitivity is thought to be related to difficulties in processing sensory information due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Bladder Dysfunction

The autonomic nervous system also regulates bladder function, so POTS can sometimes cause urinary issues. This might include frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder completely, or in some cases, urinary incontinence. These symptoms can be particularly challenging to manage every day.

Flushing

Some POTS patients experience visible flushing, where parts of the body (often the face, feet, or legs) may turn red or reddish-purple. This can be due to blood pooling or poor circulation, especially when standing.

Facial flushing may also be related to increases in certain hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

Difficulty Swallowing

In some cases, POTS can affect the muscles involved in swallowing. You might experience a very dry mouth that makes swallowing difficult, or find that you have trouble swallowing at random times. This can be alarming, but it’s related to the autonomic dysfunction associated with POTS.

Coat Hanger Pain

Coat hanger pain, named for its distribution across the shoulders, neck, and upper back, is experienced by an astonishing 93% of patients with autonomic dysfunction and 51% of those with multiple system atrophy. Often described as a “charley horse,” this pain is thought to be caused by reduced blood flow to these areas when standing up.

Symptom Clusters

Interestingly, some unusual symptoms tend to occur together. For example, patients who experience temperature regulation issues often also report excessive sweating. Similarly, those with visual disturbances frequently report having dizziness or lightheadedness at the same time.

Remember, these symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and not everyone will experience all of these. If you’re noticing any new or unusual symptoms, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider to ensure they’re properly managed as part of your overall POTS treatment plan (1,2,3,4).

One of the less common symptoms of POTS is coat hanger pain, characterized by discomfort in the shoulders and upper back.

 

How to Recognize and Track Your Symptoms

Recognizing and tracking your POTS symptoms is crucial for effectively managing this condition. Here are some strategies to help you become more attuned to your body.

Keep a Symptom Diary

Start by keeping a daily log of your symptoms. Note what symptoms you experience, their severity, and any potential triggers. Include things like:

• Time of day

• Activities before onset of symptoms

• Food and drink intake

• Sleep quality

• Stress levels

• Menstrual cycle (if applicable)

Over time, this can help you identify patterns and potential triggers. Sharing this information with your doctor can help them better understand your unique symptoms and tailor your treatment plan to match.

Use a Heart Rate Monitor

Since tachycardia is a key feature of POTS, tracking your heart rate can be very informative. Wearable devices like smartwatches or dedicated heart rate monitors can help you observe how your heart rate changes with position and activity.

Pay Attention to Positional Changes

POTS symptoms often worsen with postural changes. Take note of how you feel when you move from lying to sitting or sitting to standing. Does it trigger dizziness? How long does it take for symptoms to subside?

Monitor Your Hydration

Dehydration can worsen POTS symptoms. Keep track of your fluid intake and notice if your symptoms improve with increased hydration. Electrolyte solutions like Buoy can be particularly helpful in maintaining proper hydration.

Use Symptom Tracking Apps

There are several smartphone apps designed for symptom tracking. These can make it easier to log your symptoms regularly and may provide helpful visualizations of your data over time (5).

Recognizing the Symptoms of POTS and tracking them over time is a powerful tool in managing this condition. By becoming more attuned to your body and its responses, you can better understand your symptoms and work with your healthcare provider to create a treatment plan that suits your unique needs.

Effective Strategies for Managing POTS Symptoms

While managing POTS can be challenging, there are several strategies that can help alleviate symptoms:

• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is important for people with POTS. Aim to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, and consider supplementing with electrolytes. Adding a squeeze Buoy’s electrolyte and mineral drops to the beverages you already drink can be a convenient way to boost your hydration.

• Increase Salt Intake: Increasing your salt intake can help increase blood volume and reduce symptoms. This can be done through diet or by adding a high-quality sea salt to your food, drinks, or directly on your tongue for a fast-acting boost.

• Try Compression Garments: Wearing compression socks, abdominal binders, or full body suits can help improve blood flow and reduce symptoms like dizziness and tachycardia.

• Exercise Wisely: While exercise can be challenging with POTS, a carefully structured exercise program can improve symptoms over time. Start with recumbent exercises and gradually work up to more upright activities as tolerated.

• Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize getting quality sleep by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and avoiding screens before bedtime.

• Manage Stress: Stress can worsen POTS symptoms. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga into your daily routine.

• Elevate the Head of Your Bed: Sleeping with the head of your bed slightly elevated (about 4-6 inches) can help reduce morning symptoms.

• Avoid Trigger Foods: Some people find that certain foods, particularly those high in refined carbohydrates, can make POTS symptoms worse. Keep track of how different foods affect you and adjust your diet accordingly.

• Stay Cool: Heat can worsen POTS symptoms. Stay cool with air conditioning, cooling vests, or by taking cold showers.

Managing POTS can feel like a full-time job, but the right strategies can make a big difference. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed with all of these changes, remember: you don’t have to try everything all at once (1,5).

Try one or two at a time, assess their effect on your symptoms, and keep moving forward. It’s about finding what works best for you. Learn more about managing this condition in our guide to Effective Treatments for POTS.

Staying cool is important for managing POTS symptoms.

 

When to Seek Medical Help

While managing POTS often involves a lot of self-care, there are times when you’ll need to seek medical help. Contact your doctor if:

• You experience new or worsening symptoms.

• Your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life.

• You’re having trouble managing your symptoms with your current treatment plan.

• You experience severe symptoms like fainting or chest pain.

During a medical consultation for POTS, your healthcare provider will likely review your symptoms and medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order additional tests. They’ll discuss your current management strategies and may suggest adjustments to your treatment plan.

Remember, your doctor is your partner in managing POTS, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you need support or have concerns about your symptoms.

The POTS Care Team

Since POTS can have a wide array of symptoms, managing this condition often requires a team of specialists. These may include:

• Cardiologist: To manage heart-related symptoms.

• Neurologist: To address autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

• Gastroenterologist: For digestive issues related to POTS.

• Physical Therapist: To help with exercise programs and physical reconditioning.

Working with a coordinated care team can ensure all aspects of your POTS are being addressed effectively (1).

Empower Yourself with Knowledge About POTS Symptoms

Living with POTS can be tough, but understanding your symptoms can make all the difference. By recognizing your unique symptom patterns and tracking them over time, you can take charge of your health and improve your quality of life.

Get the Support You Need

Remember, you are not alone. Millions of people worldwide live with POTS, and resources like this guide are here to help. Take advantage of POTS support groups, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team for support when you need it.

Discover More About POTS

Want more tips for managing your POTS symptoms? Check out our comprehensive guides. Also, be sure to explore how Buoy electrolytes can be a valuable part of your POTS management toolkit.

Your journey to better symptom management starts here. Keep learning, be proactive, and most importantly, never stop advocating for your health. You’ve got this!

Try Buoy’s Rescue Drops, a high sodium liquid electrolyte 6x stronger than Hydration Drops and made especially for managing POTS.

 

References:

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16560-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots
   
   
2. The Mighty. (Updated June 17, 2024). 9 Lesser-Known Symptoms of POTS People Experience. Retrieved from https://themighty.com/topic/postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome/postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-symptoms-less-known/
   
   
3. Cariga, P., Ahmed, S., Mathias, C. J. & Gardner, B. P. (2002). The Prevalence and Association of Neck (Coat-Hanger) Pain and Orthostatic (Postural) Hypotension in Human Spinal Cord Injury. Spinal Cord 40, 77–82. Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/3101259
   
   
4. The EDS Clinic. (Updated February 2024). Coat Hanger Pain: Understanding Its Connection with POTS and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.eds.clinic/articles/coat-hanger-pain-understanding-its-connection-with-pots-and-ehlers-danlos-sydnrome
   
   
5. Dysautonomia International. (n.d.). Lifestyle Adaptations for POTS. Retrieved from https://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=44