What If Your POTS Symptoms Aren’t What Doctors Expect?
For many people with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), tachycardia or a racing heartbeat is not the most bothersome symptom they experience.
Tachycardia is often not the main concern patients bring up to their healthcare providers when trying to figure out what’s going on. It can be the most bothersome POTS symptom for some people, and for others, it might be very noticeable one day and barely there the next—or not something they notice at all.
Some patients may be focused on other, more noticeable issues, such as fatigue, lightheadedness, headache, brain fog, or gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
When a healthcare provider expects a patient to report tachycardia, a POTS diagnosis can be delayed. Recognizing that tachycardia isn't always the most prominent concern is key to improving timely diagnosis and ensuring that all symptoms—no matter how subtle or severe—are taken seriously.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as behavioral health or medical advice. It is not intended or implied to supplement or replace treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis from your own qualified healthcare provider.