STOP POTS · MMXXVI
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STOP POTS
The friendly basics

So... what is POTS?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a form of Dysautonomia — a glitch in the autonomic nervous system, the part of you that quietly runs heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature in the background.

The criteria, in plain English

When you stand up, your heart rate jumps by 30+ bpm (40+ for teens) within 10 minutes — without your blood pressure crashing. Symptoms have stuck around for more than 3 months.

Who gets it?

Around 1–3 million Americans. About 75–80% are women, often between 15 and 50. It's frequently triggered by a virus (including COVID), pregnancy, surgery, or a long illness.

Common symptoms

If you nodded along to a handful of these, please don't dismiss it.

Lightheadedness when standing
Heart racing or pounding
Brain fog & word-finding trouble
Bone-deep fatigue
Exercise feels punishing
Nausea or low appetite
Shaky hands or tremors
Heat makes everything worse
Blood pooling in legs (purple feet)
Fainting or near-fainting
Headaches & migraines
Sleep that doesn't refresh

What to do next

  1. 01

    Track what's happening.

    Note your heart rate lying down vs. after standing for 1, 5, and 10 minutes. Keep a symptom diary for a week.

  2. 02

    Talk to a doctor.

    A cardiologist or autonomic specialist can do a tilt-table test or active stand test. Bring your data.

  3. 03

    Try the basics while you wait.

    More water (2–3L), more salt (with your doctor's OK), compression socks, and small frequent meals can help right away.

  4. 04

    Find your people.

    POTS is invisible. A community that gets it changes everything — head to our resources page.

Ready for tools, tips, and trusted links?

Visit resources

This page is for awareness only — not medical advice. Always loop in a qualified provider.