The conditions that travel with POTS
POTS rarely shows up alone. Here is the language the literature uses for its closest neighbours, in plain English.
Dysautonomia
Umbrella term for malfunction of the autonomic nervous system — the part of your nervous system that runs heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and temperature without you having to think about it. POTS is one of many forms.
Read moreTermHypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)
A heritable connective-tissue condition characterised by joint hypermobility, soft stretchy skin and chronic pain. Travels with POTS and MCAS often enough that the triad has a name in the literature.
Read moreTermMast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
A condition where mast cells release chemical mediators (histamine and others) inappropriately, producing flushing, GI symptoms, fatigue and anaphylactoid reactions. Strongly comorbid with POTS and hEDS.
Read moreTermLong COVID
Persistent symptoms — fatigue, brain fog, orthostatic intolerance, exercise intolerance — that continue more than 12 weeks after an initial COVID-19 infection. A meaningful proportion of Long COVID patients meet criteria for POTS.
Read moreTermOrthostatic intolerance
The umbrella label for symptoms — lightheadedness, palpitations, pre-syncope, brain fog — that come on with upright posture and improve when you lie down. POTS and orthostatic hypotension are specific patterns within it.
Read moreTermHyperadrenergic POTS
A POTS subtype driven by excessive sympathetic activation, often with high standing noradrenaline, hypertension on standing, tremor and anxiety-like symptoms. Distinct from neuropathic and hypovolaemic subtypes.
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