Symptoms
The main distinguishing symptoms of POTS are:
- A rapid increase in the heartbeat of more than 30 beats per minute
- A heart rate that exceeds 120 beats per minute, within 10 minutes of standing.
Other symptoms of POTS are similar to those of other OI syndromes, which include experiencing the following upon standing:
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Patients with hyperadrenergic POTS may experience the following symptoms while standing:
- A significant tremor
- Anxiety
- Cold, sweaty extremities
- A migraine
- Increased urination
Causes and Risk Factors
POTS can affect patients of all genders and age groups. However, women between the ages of 15 and 50 are most commonly diagnosed. Some women experience an increase in POTS symptoms right before their menstrual periods. POTS often begins after a pregnancy, major surgery, trauma or a viral illness.
Patients with peripheral nerve damage or a family history of POTS may be at an increased risk of developing the condition.
Patients with conditions or medical histories associated with secondary POTS may also be at an increased risk. These include:
- Chronic diabetes mellitus
- Amyloidosis
- Sarcoidosis
- Alcoholism
- Lupus
- Sjögren syndrome
- Chemotherapy
- Heavy metal poisoning