For the majority of people, everyday life doesn’t cause their heart to race. However, for some individuals, merely standing up can send their world spinning.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition that causes your heart rate to spike rapidly after getting up from a sitting or lying position, often resulting in dizziness or light-headedness. The NHS states there’s no cure for this condition, but it can be managed with lifestyle modifications or medication.
Mollie, known as @Molexrose on TikTok, demonstrated a simple test to try at home that could give you a slight idea of your heart’s health and potentially your risk of POTS. All you need for this test is a smartwatch, such as a FitBit or Apple Watch.
A typical person’s heart rate should increase upon standing. However, for someone with POTS, the spike will be abrupt and much larger. Mollie explained the test: “You want to lie on the floor for between five and ten minutes and see what your resting heart rate is”, reports the Mirror.
After this period, stand up and check your smartwatch. In her video, Mollie showed her rate quickly jumped from 78 to 110, then peaked at around 140 before dropping down.
After this period, stand up and check your smartwatch. In her video, Mollie showed her rate quickly jumped from 78 to 110, then peaked at around 140 before dropping down.
According to the British Heart Foundation, a normal resting heart rate for adults ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute, although it can fluctuate. A normal increase in heart rate when standing up is 10–20 beats per minute.
Mollie explained: “An average person’s heart rate should increase between 10 and 15 beats. The criteria for POTS is an increase of 30+ beats.”
POTS affects people in various ways – some experience mild symptoms but others find the condition severely disrupts daily life. Symptoms often manifest when standing and can improve upon sitting or lying down, with potential issues including:
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- shaking and sweating
- fainting or nearly fainting
You may also get other symptoms, such as:
- problems with your stomach or digestion, such as feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and tummy pain
- headaches and problems with your sight, such as blurred vision or tunnel vision
- your hands and feet looking purple – this may be more difficult to see if you have brown or black skin
- weakness and extreme tiredness (fatigue), not being able to do much exercise, and sleeping badly
- problems with thinking, memory and concentration (brain fog)
The exact cause of POTS remains unclear, but it has been linked to sudden or gradual onset. Certain groups may have a higher risk of developing POTS, such as those who suffer with long covid, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), or joint hypermobility syndrome.
Factors that could exacerbate the condition include heat exposure, prolonged periods of standing or sitting, high intake of refined carbohydrates like white bread, and insufficient fluid consumption.
Drinking alcohol can exacerbate symptoms, as can excessive rest, exercise, menstruation and stress. If you suspect you’re experiencing symptoms, your GP can diagnose you after conducting blood pressure and heart rate checks, along with some blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG).
If lifestyle changes don’t alleviate your symptoms, or if you’re severely unwell or the cause of your symptoms is unclear, you may be referred to a specialist for further testing. If you have any concerns or queries, it’s crucial to consult your doctor.
Remember, only a medical professional can diagnose POTS. For additional information, visit the NHS website.