Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects how the body regulates heart rate and blood flow when changing positions, especially from sitting or lying down to standing. Instead of adjusting smoothly, the body overcompensates—causing the heart to beat much faster and often leading to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog.
Diagnoses of POTS have increased dramatically in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by both a true rise in cases and improved recognition of autonomic dysfunction. Kedor et al., 2023
POTS is confirmed by measuring how the heart rate responds to standing. If the heart rate rises abnormally, without a drop in blood pressure, and symptoms have been present for several months, a diagnosis may be made after ruling out other possible causes.
POTS is not currently considered a curable condition, but many patients experience significant improvement with proper management, and some may go into remission over time.
The Root Cause Of POTS
Rather than one cause, POTS is thought to result from dysfunction in how the body regulates blood flow and the autonomic nervous system. With POTS, the cardiovascular system does not function efficiently, so the body compensates by excessively increasing heart rate.
Though medical science has not identified a cause for this dysfunction, they are right to say it is rooted in dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. A multitude of factors contribute to the development of the condition. Those factors can be summed up in an overload of stress on the body.
Understanding Nervous System Dysfunction
Stress that impacts the autonomic nervous system generally falls into three categories: physical (injury/accidents, overexertion, lifestyle), chemical (diet, medications, environmental toxins), and emotional (trauma, anxiety, relationships, loss). While often overlooked, these everyday stressors can have a significant neurological impact. The nervous system is designed to adapt, but when stress becomes chronic, it can interfere with its ability to function and regulate the body effectively.
This is often when conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome begin to surface. When the nervous system is under chronic stress, it can become stuck in a prolonged “fight-or-flight” state, making it harder for the body to regulate heart rate, blood flow, and other essential functions. Over time, this can contribute to worsening symptoms and dysfunction if left unaddressed.
In many cases, conventional approaches focus on managing symptoms from the outside in, using medications or therapies to reduce discomfort. While this can be helpful, it doesn’t always address the underlying stress affecting nervous system function.
The nervous system is designed to adapt and recover. When chronic stress is reduced and the body is supported appropriately, it can begin to regulate more effectively, helping restore balance and improve overall function over time.
Removing Chronic Stress From The Nervous System
One approach to reducing stress on the nervous system is neurological chiropractic care. Practitioners in this field focus on identifying areas where stress may affect nervous system function and how it can impact the rest of the body. Through targeted adjustments, the goal is to support more balanced communication within the nervous system.
It’s important not only to recognize when dysfunction is present, but to understand what may be contributing to it. While a diagnosis like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome can help guide symptom management, it doesn’t always provide a complete picture of nervous system function or a personalized path forward.
If you’re feeling stuck managing symptoms, know that you’re not alone—and that improvement is possible with the right approach and support. A comprehensive assessment can help identify how your nervous system is functioning and where there may be opportunities to improve regulation and overall health.
If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule an assessment with our team to begin building your path forward.
Kedor, C., et al. (2023). European Heart Journal.