POTS dizziness: what it can feel like and what to do

POTS stands for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. In this condition, changing from lying or sitting to standing can trigger a rapid heartbeat and symptoms such as lightheadedness, blurred vision, weakness, nausea, shaking, or a feeling that you may pass out. Warm rooms, hot showers, illness, prolonged standing, dehydration, and missing meals may make symptoms worse.

Dizziness has many possible causes, so an episode does not by itself establish POTS. A clinician may ask when symptoms occur, check your pulse and blood pressure in different positions, review medicines, and consider tests for other explanations such as dehydration, anaemia, or a heart rhythm problem.

Sit or lie down promptly, preferably with your legs raised, and avoid walking until the feeling settles. Rise in stages: move your ankles, sit at the edge of the bed, then stand while holding a stable surface. Keep a record of triggers, meals, fluids, position changes, heartbeat sensations, and what relieved the episode.

Regular fluids, suitable salt intake, gentle conditioning, and compression garments may help some people, but the right plan depends on your health and medicines. Ask a clinician before increasing salt or fluids, especially if you have kidney, heart, or blood-pressure problems. Do not start an exercise programme during an acute illness without advice.

Arrange a medical appointment if dizziness keeps returning, limits daily activities, follows an infection, or comes with repeated near-fainting or a racing heartbeat. Seek emergency help for fainting with chest pain, severe breathlessness, a new one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, a severe sudden headache, a serious injury, or a heartbeat that remains very irregular or fast.

Ask whether your pattern fits orthostatic intolerance, which checks are appropriate, whether any medicine could be contributing, and how to adjust activity, fluids, salt, or compression safely.