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Understanding POTS: Diagnosis and the Benefits of Functional Medicine

As part of our ‘Super Pentad’ series, today we’re going to talk about a condition that’s gaining more attention lately, and for good reason: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS. If you or someone you know has been experiencing mysterious symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, and fatigue, this post is for you.  In this post, let’s dive into what POTS is, how it’s diagnosed, and why working with a functional medicine provider could be your key to better health.

What is POTS?

POTS is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling bodily functions that we don’t consciously think about, like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation. So essentially, the autonomic nervous system is your body’s autopilot. When it doesn’t work correctly, as in POTS, it can lead to a host of troubling symptoms.

Symptoms of POTS

People with POTS experience a significant increase in heart rate when they move from lying down to standing up. There are other signs that might suggest POTS, too. Here are some common symptoms: 

  • Rapid Heart Rate: An increase of 30 beats per minute (bpm) or more upon standing.
  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady when standing up.
  • Fatigue: Persistent and sometimes severe tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.
  • Palpitations: Feeling like your heart is racing or pounding.
  • Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly.
  • Nausea: Feeling queasy or experiencing digestive discomfort.
  • Headaches: Frequent or severe headaches.
  • Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially upon standing.

How is POTS Diagnosed?

Diagnosing POTS can be tricky because its symptoms often overlap with other conditions. Here’s a rundown of the typical diagnostic process:

  • Medical History: Your doctor will take a detailed medical history, asking about your symptoms and when they occur. It’s important to mention any chronic illnesses or recent infections, as these can be related to POTS.
  • Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam will be conducted to check your heart rate and blood pressure in different positions—lying down, sitting, and standing.
  • Tilt Table Test: This is the gold standard for diagnosing POTS. During this test, you lie on a table that tilts to a standing position while your heart rate and blood pressure are monitored. An increase in heart rate of 30 bpm or more within 10 minutes of standing usually indicates POTS.
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests can help rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid problems, anemia, or adrenal insufficiency.
  • Autonomic Testing: Additional tests may be done to evaluate the function of your autonomic nervous system.

The Functional Medicine Approach: Why It’s Beneficial

So, what’s functional medicine, and why might it be beneficial for someone with POTS? Functional medicine is a holistic approach that seeks to identify and address the root causes of health issues rather than just treating the symptoms. It’s about looking at the whole person and considering how different factors—like diet, lifestyle, and environment—might be contributing to your health condition. Here’s why working with a functional medicine provider can be especially helpful if you have POTS:

1. Personalized Care: Functional medicine practitioners take the time to get to know you and understand your unique health journey. They look at your medical history, lifestyle, diet, and even your stress levels to create a personalized treatment plan. This individualized approach is crucial for managing a complex condition like POTS.

 2. Root Cause Investigation: Rather than just focusing on symptom management, functional medicine aims to uncover the underlying causes of your symptoms. This might include looking into potential triggers like chronic infections, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies.

3. Comprehensive Testing: Functional medicine providers often use a wider range of tests to get a complete picture of your health. This can include advanced blood tests, stool analyses, and genetic testing, which can provide insights that traditional testing might miss.

 4. Holistic Approach: The holistic nature of functional medicine means that all aspects of your health are considered. This includes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By addressing these areas, functional medicine can help create a more balanced and supportive environment for your body to heal.

5. Long-Term Health and Prevention: Functional medicine isn’t just about managing your current symptoms; it’s also about preventing future health issues. By addressing root causes and promoting overall wellness, you’re more likely to achieve long-term health benefits.

Wrapping Up

Understanding POTS and its complexities can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Working with a functional medicine provider can offer a comprehensive and personalized approach to managing this condition. By focusing on the root causes and considering the whole person, functional medicine aims to help you find balance and improve your quality of life.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll dive into specific treatments and lifestyle changes that can help manage POTS symptoms. Until then, take care of yourself, stay informed, and remember that there’s always hope on the horizon. If you would like to work with one of our providers, and have symptoms of POTS, Hypermobility, MCAS or perhaps all, we would suggest checking out Dr Alicia McCubbins ND! She has experience in this arena and would love to help you get back to feeling yourself.