Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS)

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

Heart rate increases rapidly when standing
Often causes dizziness and lightheadedness
No cure, but symptoms are manageable
Lifestyle changes and medication can help

Overview

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) is a condition where your heart beats much faster than normal when you move from sitting or lying down to standing. This rapid increase in heart rate can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. The severity of PoTS varies greatly, impacting some people mildly and others significantly in their daily lives. The exact cause of PoTS is not fully understood, and it can develop suddenly or gradually. While there is no cure, the condition can be effectively managed. Management typically involves making specific lifestyle adjustments and, in some cases, taking medication to control symptoms. Diagnosis can take time as PoTS symptoms often resemble those of other conditions. A doctor will usually check your heart rate and blood pressure when you stand up and may order further tests, including specialist evaluations, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.

Signs and Symptoms

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Noticeable heartbeats (palpitations)
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Shaking and sweating
Fainting or nearly fainting
Digestive problems (nausea, bloating)
Headaches and vision problems
Purple hands and feet
Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
Brain fog (thinking, memory issues)

Things That Increase the Risk

Having Long COVID
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Joint hypermobility syndrome
Being in hot places
Standing or sitting upright for long periods
Eating refined carbohydrates
Not drinking enough fluids
Consuming alcohol
Resting too much
Stress

Diagnosis

GP checks blood pressure and heart rate before and after standing
Blood tests
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Referral to a specialist
Urine tests
24-hour heart rate and blood pressure monitoring
Tilt table test

Treatment & Management

Drinking more fluids
Eating small meals low in refined carbohydrates
Wearing compression clothing
Prescribed steroids
Medications for heart conditions or blood pressure
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Trying different medicine combinations
Lying down and raising legs if faint
Specific standing maneuvers (crossing legs, clenching muscles)

Prevention

Avoid known triggers
Stay well-hydrated
Engage in gentle exercise (walking, Pilates, swimming)
Raise the head of your bed
Wear support tights
Avoid standing for too long
Stand up slowly after lying down
Limit caffeine and alcohol intake

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS):