POTS Syndrome Care: Diagnosis, Treatment, and a Holistic Strategy for Heart Health

Living with unexplained dizziness, fatigue, heart palpitations, or brain fog can be deeply frustrating—especially when routine tests come back “normal.” For many people, these symptoms eventually point to POTS syndrome (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a condition that often goes undiagnosed for years.

As awareness grows, so does the understanding that POTS is not a one-size-fits-all disorder. Effective care requires accurate diagnosis, individualized treatment, and a broader view of heart and nervous system health. This article breaks down what POTS syndrome really is, how it’s diagnosed, and how conventional care can work alongside holistic strategies to support long-term wellness.

Understanding POTS Syndrome

POTS syndrome is a form of dysautonomia—a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. It primarily affects how the body regulates heart rate and blood flow when moving from lying down to standing.

The hallmark feature is a significant increase in heart rate (typically 30 beats per minute or more in adults) within 10 minutes of standing, without a corresponding drop in blood pressure. While that sounds simple, the lived experience is anything but.

Common symptoms include:

• Lightheadedness or dizziness when standing
  

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
  

• Chronic fatigue
  

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
  

• Exercise intolerance
  

• Shortness of breath
  

• Chest discomfort
  

• Gastrointestinal issues
  

POTS is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 15 and 50, but it can affect anyone. Many patients report symptom onset after a viral illness, pregnancy, surgery, or a period of intense stress.

Why POTS Is Often Missed

One of the biggest challenges with POTS syndrome is recognition. Symptoms can mimic anxiety, panic disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, or even heart rhythm issues. Patients are frequently told their tests are normal—or worse, that their symptoms are “all in their head.”

This is where seeing an experienced cardiologist becomes essential. A cardiologist in North Hollywood or any specialist familiar with autonomic disorders can connect the dots between symptoms, heart rate changes, and nervous system dysfunction.

How POTS Syndrome Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis starts with a detailed clinical history. Your provider should want to know:

• When symptoms started
  

• What triggers or worsens them
  

• How daily life is affected
  

• Any prior infections, hormonal changes, or autoimmune conditions
  

Key Diagnostic Tools

• Tilt Table Test: The gold standard for diagnosing POTS. It measures heart rate and blood pressure responses to positional changes.
  

• Active Stand Test: A simpler in-office version that tracks vitals from lying down to standing.
  

• Heart Monitoring: Holter or event monitors help rule out arrhythmias.
  

• Blood Tests: Used to evaluate hydration status, anemia, thyroid function, and autoimmune markers.
  

An experienced cardiologist will also assess whether symptoms overlap with conditions like atrial fibrillation, orthostatic hypotension, or inappropriate sinus tachycardia.

Conventional Treatment Options

There is no single cure for POTS syndrome, but many patients experience meaningful improvement with the right treatment plan.

Medical Approaches May Include:

• Increased fluid and sodium intake to support blood volume
  

• Compression garments to reduce blood pooling in the legs
  

• Medications such as beta blockers, fludrocortisone, or midodrine (prescribed on a case-by-case basis)
  

• Graded exercise therapy, starting with recumbent or seated workouts
  

Treatment should be tailored, not rushed. What works well for one patient may worsen symptoms in another, which is why close follow-up with a knowledgeable cardiologist is so important.

The Role of Holistic Heart Health

More patients—and physicians—are recognizing that managing POTS requires more than medications alone. Supporting the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and addressing lifestyle factors can make a measurable difference.

Nutrition and Hydration

Balanced nutrition supports both cardiovascular and autonomic function. Many patients benefit from:

• Frequent, smaller meals
  

• Adequate protein intake
  

• Electrolyte-rich fluids
  

• Limiting excessive sugar and ultra-processed foods
  

Stress and Nervous System Regulation

Chronic stress can worsen autonomic imbalance. Techniques such as breathwork, meditation, and gentle yoga may help calm the nervous system over time.

Natural Strategies and AFib Considerations

While POTS syndrome and atrial fibrillation (AFib) are different conditions, they can sometimes coexist or share overlapping symptoms like palpitations and fatigue. Patients concerned about rhythm disturbances often ask about natural remedies AFib alongside medical care.

It’s important to approach natural remedies thoughtfully and under professional guidance. Some supportive strategies may include:

• Magnesium optimization (through diet or supplements, when appropriate)
  

• Omega-3 fatty acids for heart health
  

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition patterns
  

These approaches are not replacements for medical treatment but can complement a comprehensive care plan, particularly when supervised by a cardiologist who understands integrative heart care.

Exercise: A Critical—but Tricky—Component

Exercise intolerance is one of the most frustrating aspects of POTS syndrome. Still, movement remains one of the most effective long-term therapies when done correctly.

Successful programs typically:

• Start with recumbent exercises (rowing, cycling, swimming)
  

• Progress slowly over weeks to months
  

• Focus on consistency rather than intensity
  

Patients often see improvement not in weeks, but in months. Patience and realistic expectations are key.

The Importance of Individualized Care

No two POTS patients are alike. Some struggle mainly with fatigue and brain fog, others with palpitations or gastrointestinal issues. Hormonal shifts, autoimmune conditions, and connective tissue disorders can all influence symptoms.

This is why working with a cardiologist in North Hollywood or a specialist experienced in autonomic dysfunction matters. Personalized care builds trust, improves outcomes, and helps patients feel heard—something many have lacked during their diagnostic journey.

Living Well With POTS Syndrome

A POTS diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it can also be empowering. Finally having a name for your symptoms opens the door to targeted treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and long-term planning.

Many patients go on to:

• Return to work or school
  

• Improve exercise tolerance
  

• Reduce symptom severity
  

• Regain confidence in their bodies
  

Progress is rarely linear. Good days and bad days are part of the process, but with the right medical guidance and holistic support, improvement is absolutely possible.

Final Thoughts

POTS syndrome sits at the intersection of cardiology, neurology, and whole-body health. It demands careful diagnosis, compassionate care, and a willingness to look beyond surface-level symptoms.

Whether you’re exploring conventional treatment, supportive lifestyle strategies, or carefully chosen natural remedies AFib patients often ask about, the most important step is working with a provider who understands the complexity of your condition.

Heart health is not just about numbers on a chart—it’s about how you feel, function, and live each day. With the right strategy, POTS syndrome doesn’t have to define your future.