Imagine standing up and suddenly feeling like your heart is running a marathon. You get dizzy, your vision blurs, and it feels like you might pass out. If that sounds familiar, you might be one of the many people especially young women living with a condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS.
And no, it’s not just anxiety. It’s not “all in your head.”
POTS is a complex and often misunderstood form of dysautonomia that affects blood flow and heart rate. Many patients in the USA and Mexico spend years being misdiagnosed or told their symptoms are psychological. But recent research and awareness are changing the game.
What Exactly Is POTS?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. In simple terms, it means your body has trouble regulating automatic functions like heart rate and blood pressure—especially when you stand up.
The defining symptom? An increase in heart rate of 30+ beats per minute within 10 minutes of standing (or 40+ in teens), without a significant drop in blood pressure.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Rapid heartbeat when standing (tachycardia)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Nausea or stomach problems
- Shakiness
- Cold or discolored hands and feet
- Anxiety-like symptoms (but not caused by anxiety)
POTS often coexists with other conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, autoimmune disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
A Hidden Struggle: Why Diagnosis Is So Difficult
Many POTS patients experience years of medical gaslighting. Doctors frequently misattribute their symptoms to anxiety or panic disorders. In the U.S., it’s common to hear stories of women being dismissed by healthcare providers, told their symptoms are stress-related or “in their head.”
In Mexico, where awareness of POTS is even lower, getting a diagnosis can be a long and expensive journey. Lack of specialist access and awareness makes it worse.
Real Example: Meet Sofia, a 24-year-old student in Guadalajara. For years, she experienced blackouts, dizziness, and extreme fatigue. She was treated for depression. Only after watching a TikTok about POTS did she push for a tilt table test and finally get her diagnosis. She’s now managing her symptoms with lifestyle changes and beta blockers.
What Causes POTS?
Researchers are still exploring the exact causes, but several triggers and risk factors have been identified:
- Viral infections (like COVID-19 or mononucleosis)
- Autoimmune disorders (Lupus, Sjogren’s Syndrome)
- Genetic connective tissue disorders (like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome)
- Trauma or surgery
- Pregnancy
Interestingly, a 2023 study from Johns Hopkins University found a surge in POTS diagnoses following long COVID cases, raising awareness across both the U.S. and Latin America.
How Is POTS Diagnosed?
If you suspect you have POTS, the most common diagnostic tools are:
- Tilt Table Test: Measures heart rate and blood pressure changes from lying to standing.
- Active Stand Test: Home or clinic-based method that involves monitoring your vitals while standing for 10 minutes.
Important Tests To Rule Out Other Conditions:
- Blood work (thyroid, cortisol, vitamin levels)
- Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound)
- Holter monitor (24-hour heart rhythm tracking)
Living with POTS: What Management Looks Like
There is currently no cure for POTS, but many patients find symptom relief through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
Common Treatment Approaches:
| Management Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased Salt Intake | Helps retain fluid and stabilize blood pressure |
| Compression Garments | Prevent blood pooling in legs |
| Beta Blockers | Reduce heart rate spikes |
| IV Fluids | Used in severe cases to quickly rehydrate |
| Exercise Rehab | Focus on recumbent exercises like rowing |
| Hydration | 2-3 liters of water daily is recommended |
The Mental Toll: It’s Not “Just Anxiety”
Many POTS patients are told their symptoms are psychological. But new research is highlighting how real the physical dysfunction is. It’s a brain-body disorder that affects the nervous system’s ability to regulate basic bodily functions.
The Emotional Cost:
- Missed school or work
- Social isolation
- Strained relationships
- Medical gaslighting
Case Study: Carlos, a 31-year-old tech worker from Austin, Texas, developed POTS after recovering from COVID-19. His symptoms were brushed off as burnout. It wasn’t until he visited a dysautonomia specialist in Dallas that he finally got answers. Carlos now works remotely and uses a standing desk with a chair for breaks, which helps manage his fatigue.
Building Awareness: USA vs. Mexico
In the United States, organizations like Dysautonomia International are pushing for awareness, funding, and better diagnostic protocols. There are even clinics dedicated specifically to autonomic disorders.
In Mexico, however, awareness is still growing. Few specialists are familiar with POTS, and diagnostic tools like tilt tables are rare. Patients often turn to online communities for support and information.
Online Resources for POTS:
- Dysautonomia International
- POTS UK
- Reddit: r/dysautonomia
- TikTok and Instagram awareness influencers
POTS in Teens and Young Adults
POTS often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, especially in females. Hormonal shifts, growth spurts, and even the HPV vaccine have been explored as potential triggers (though not conclusively proven).
Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore:
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Feeling faint in the shower or after standing
- Frequent nausea
- Inability to exercise or participate in sports
Misconceptions About POTS
Let’s bust a few common myths:
- Myth 1: POTS is just anxiety.
- Truth: It’s a nervous system disorder that causes real physiological changes.
- Myth 2: Only women get it.
- Truth: While 80-85% of POTS patients are women, men are affected too.
- Myth 3: It’s rare.
- Truth: Over 1 million Americans are estimated to have POTS.
- Myth 4: You just need to exercise more.
- Truth: Exercise helps, but only as part of a comprehensive plan with medical guidance.
Why More Awareness Matters
With more awareness, more people can get diagnosed, access treatment, and live fuller lives. Misdiagnosis doesn’t just delay care—it can lead to unnecessary mental health treatment, school dropouts, and loss of work.
A 2024 paper in the American Journal of Cardiology emphasized that early recognition and personalized care greatly improve outcomes.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Imagining It
POTS is real. It’s underdiagnosed. And it’s absolutely not just in your head.
Whether you’re in New York City or Mexico City, your symptoms deserve to be taken seriously. If you suspect you have POTS, advocate for testing, seek out community support, and don’t let anyone dismiss your experience.
