🔎 HOW IS POTS DIAGNOSED?

POTS is more than a fast heart rate when you stand.

Doctors look for a pattern:

❤️ A sustained heart-rate rise within 10 minutes of standing

• ≥30 beats/min in adults

• ≥40 beats/min in ages 12–19

🧍 Symptoms occur when upright and are chronic, typically ≥3 months, such as:

• Lightheadedness

• Racing or pounding heart

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Weakness

• Shortness of breath

🩸 No orthostatic hypotension

• Systolic BP drop ≥20 mmHg or

• Diastolic BP drop ≥10 mmHg

Testing may include:

• Heart rate & blood pressure lying down and standing

• A 10-minute stand test

• Tilt-table testing when needed

• ECG and selected blood tests

A fast heart rate when standing does not automatically mean POTS.

Dehydration, anemia, thyroid problems, medications, and other conditions can also raise heart rate.

👉 The diagnosis is about the whole clinical picture, not one heart-rate number.

#POTS #Dysautonomia #OrthostaticIntolerance #HeartHealth