What is POTS?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia, a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system. This system controls involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and body temperature. In POTS, the body struggles to regulate blood flow when transitioning from a lying down to a standing position.
The defining characteristic of POTS is an excessive increase in heart rate (usually 30 beats per minute or more, or reaching 120 bpm within 10 minutes) upon standing, without a significant drop in blood pressure.
What are the causes of POTS
While the exact cause of POTS is not always known, it is often associated with other underlying conditions, such as:
- Connective tissue disorders (e.g., HSD/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and EDS/Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome)
- Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
- Autoimmune disorders
- Infections and post-viral syndromes: Long Covid, mononucleosis, and others
- Toxicity and CIRS (e.g., mold exposure)
What are the symptoms of POTS
POTS symptoms can vary widely from person to person in severity and presentation. Some common symptoms include:
- Lightheadedness or dizziness, especially upon standing
- Fainting or near-fainting (syncope)
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Nausea and digestive issues
- Tremors
- Sweating abnormalities (either excessive sweating or lack of sweating)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Sleep disturbances
These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to perform routine tasks, work, or attend school.
GWCIM’s Integrative Approach to POTS Treatment
The GW Center for Integrative Medicine provides comprehensive, personalized care for individuals living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and other dysautonomias. We are uniquely positioned to take an integrative, holistic approach to addressing associated conditions, including connective tissue disorders, mast cell activation, toxicity, and post viral syndromes.
Our services include
- Autonomic assessments
- Individualized medication management
- Nutrition, acupuncture
- Supplement guidance
GWCIM works with community partners to provide physical medicine strategies. These conditions affect each person differently, and we collaborate with our patients closely to develop practical, sustainable treatment plans that improve daily function, energy, and quality of life.
POTS team at GWCIM, Washington, DC.
- Ashley Drapeau, PA-C, LAc.
- Mikhail Kogan, MD.
- Deirdre Orceire, ND, LAc.
- Marianna Ledenac, ND.
- Tiffany Hoyt, LAc, CH.
- Angela Gabriel, LAc, SEP.
- Yael Flusberg, Trauma-informed Yoga Therapist.
