POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) is an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs after sitting up or standing. This condition is associated with lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting due to a drop in blood pressure. It's more common in women than in men and often starts during the teenage years or early adulthood.

Signs and Symptoms

POTS can last a few seconds to a few minutes, but lying down makes one feel better. Gravity pulls blood from your brain and extremities toward your core when you sit or stand up. It causes a drop in blood pressure. To make up for this decrease, your heart rate increases. POTS can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Headache
• Chest pain
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Shortness of breath
• Excessive thirst

Causes

POTS is caused by an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs after sitting up or standing. This is usually the result of a problem with the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls the body's involuntary functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Many things can lead to POTS, including:

• Dehydration
• Pregnancy
• Viral infections
• Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or multiple sclerosis
• Neurological conditions, such as migraines or seizures
• Chronic pain conditions
• Heart problems, such as a heart attack or cardiomyopathy
• Sickle cell anemia
• Taking certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, or diuretics

Risk factors include:

• Being overweight or obese
• Having a sedentary lifestyle
• Eating a diet high in processed foods and sodium

The condition is diagnosed when the heart rate increases by 30 beats per minute (bpm) or more within 10 minutes of standing. A heart rate over 100 bpm is considered tachycardia. Thermography can be used to detect heat variances to detect abnormalities. It is a key target for thermography due to its symptoms involving differential blood flow.

Thermography Screening

Thermography is non-invasive and radiation-free, making it a great option for routine health assessments. CT Thermography has the experience to provide you with the most accurate thermography scan possible to help you better understand your health. Talk to us about your health concerns, particularly POTS, for possible screening and diagnosis.