Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Increased heart rate 

Dizziness or lightheadedness when sitting or standing, fainting or near fainting

Heart palpitations (can feel your heart pounding or racing) 

Chest pain or pressure and shortness of breath

Blood pooling in the extremities, pale face, purple hands and feet

Flushing (reddening of face, neck or upper body)

Shakiness and excessive sweating

Fatigue and sleep disturbances

Headaches, migraines and cognitive impairments

Abdominal pain, slow digestion and rapid gastric emptying

Drink water/electrolytes throughout the day maintain an appropriate fluid balance

Eat salty snacks to help control blood pressure and blood volume (always check with your doctor first)

Wear compression garments to improve circulation and prevent blood pooling 

May need to lay down to manage dizziness

Use a shower chair or walking stick with a folding chair to avoid long periods of standing

Use a long shoe horn or grabber/reacher to avoid bending over unnecessarily

Learn vagal maneuvers (like humming, breathing techniques, cold water face submersion, etc.) to help manage heart rate spikes

Talk to your doctor about prescriptions to manage heart rate and blood pressure

Work with a Physical Therapist to create a safe horizontal exercise plan (like rowing or recumbent biking) to build strength without triggering flares

Work with an Occupational Therapist to make changes to your home, work, and daily routines that will reduce orthostatic stress on your body

Use a heart rate monitor to ensure your heart rate doesn't get too high; if it does, stop and rest right away to prevent a flare

Consider other general dysautonomia management (see dysautonomia page)

Standing Up to POTS https://www.standinguptopots.org

Dysautonomia Support Network https://www.dysautonomiasupport.org

Dysautonomia International https://www.dysautonomiainternational.org

The Disabled Ginger https://www.disabledginger.com/p/learning-to-live-horizontally-your