What Is POTS?

POTS is a form of dysautonomia, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. In people with POTS, the body has trouble regulating blood flow and heart rate in response to positional changes—especially when moving from sitting or lying down to standing.

Common Symptoms of POTS

Symptoms can vary widely, but some of the most common include:

• Rapid heartbeat (especially when standing)
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Fatigue or “crash” after minimal activity
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Nausea or gastrointestinal distress
• Exercise intolerance
• Anxiety or palpitations
• Fainting or near-fainting episodes
• Cold hands and feet, or blood pooling in the lower extremities

These symptoms can mimic other conditions and are often misdiagnosed—or dismissed altogether. That’s why expert evaluation is key.

How Is POTS Diagnosed?

At Vitality Integrative Medicine, we conduct a thorough evaluation that includes:

• Detailed health history and symptom timeline
• Vital sign assessments in different positions (including active stand or tilt table testing)
• Laboratory testing to explore nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, hormone balance, and more
• Evaluation for associated conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, autoimmune disorders, or chronic infections

Diagnosis is typically confirmed when there’s a sustained increase in heart rate of 30+ beats per minute (or 40+ bpm in teens) within 10 minutes of standing—without a significant drop in blood pressure. *Note: even if you don’t qualify for a diagnosis of POTS, it is possible you may still have autonomic nervous system dysregulation causing significant symptoms, and for which similar or other treatments may benefit.

Our Integrative Approach to Managing POTS

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for POTS, which is why an integrative, personalized plan is so important. At Vitality Integrative Medicine, we look at the whole person—body, mind, and lifestyle—to create a treatment plan that empowers healing and long-term management.

Our POTS treatment strategies may include:

• Nutritional support and targeted supplements
• Individually targeted medications
• IV hydration or electrolyte therapy
• Lifestyle modifications to improve blood volume and vascular tone
• Gentle movement or rehabilitation protocols
• Nervous system regulation and stress management techniques
• Collaboration with cardiology, neurology, or GI specialists when needed

Why Choose an Integrative Doctor for POTS?

POTS is complex, and it often doesn’t occur in isolation. Many patients also struggle with chronic fatigue, mast cell activation, gut issues, or autoimmune symptoms.

As an integrative practice, we are uniquely equipped to:

• Look beyond symptom management to identify root causes
• Offer natural and conventional therapies in harmony
• Provide longer appointment times and individualized care
• Address multiple systems (neurological, cardiovascular, immune, digestive) in a cohesive way
• Help you develop sustainable strategies for energy, resilience, and wellbeing

You are not alone—and you are not imagining your symptoms. Our mission is to listen, believe, and partner with you to reclaim your health.

Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?

If you suspect you may be living with POTS or have already been diagnosed and are looking for a more comprehensive, supportive care plan, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Vitality Integrative Medicine.

Let’s work together to bring balance back to your body—and vitality back to your life.