POTS

If you experience a rapid heart rate, dizziness, or fatigue when standing up after lying down, you may have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). At Vivify  Medical in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, board-certified cardiologist Amnon Beniaminovitz, MD, has years of experience diagnosing and treating POTS. Dr. Beniaminovitz uses a holistic, integrative treatment approach that relieves symptoms and helps restore quality of life. Call the New York City office today to schedule a POTS consultation, or book your appointment online.

What is POTS?

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a dysautonomia that causes your heart to beat faster when you transition from lying down to standing up. 

Typically, the autonomic nervous system balances your heart rate and blood pressure, regardless of your body’s position. If you have POTS, your body has difficulty maintaining stable blood pressure, resulting in a variety symptoms.

POTS affects everyone differently. For some people, symptoms come and go; for others, they’re persistent and affect quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of POTS?

The symptoms of POTS include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially after standing up
• Vertigo (a sensation the room is spinning)
• Fainting or near fainting
• Heart palpitations or a racing heart
• Forgetfulness and trouble focusing
• Feeling nervous or anxious
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Feeling sick
• Poor sleep

You might notice your symptoms worsen when you exercise, spend time in warm environments, or stand up frequently. 

Does POTS increase my risk of a heart attack or stroke?

No. POTS isn’t life-threatening, but depending on its severity, it can affect your quality of life and keep you from work and other activities you enjoy. Thankfully, various treatments can relieve uncomfortable symptoms and keep them from worsening. 

How is POTS diagnosed?

At the clinical visit your medical records will be reviewed, and a detailed medical history will be obtained. A full physical exam will be performed, and any previous results will be reviewed. Although POTS is often diagnosed clinically there are certain tests that can help with the diagnosis. During the visit an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, orthostatic testing, and possible stress testing will be obtained. If the test prove inconclusive you may be sent for further testing such as a critical care assessment or TM Flow or a tilt table test.   

How is POTS treated?

Although there is no definitive cure for POTS there are non-medical and medical interventions that can help minimize the symptoms.  At Vivify Medical we use a comprehensive approach combining the best of both medical and non-medical treatments to help you get back to good health.

Call Vivify Medical today to schedule a POTS consultation or book an appointment online.