The condition is more common in women – and the symptoms can easily be dismissed and overlooked
Singer Billie Eilish lives with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, more commonly known as POTS. It is a condition that causes the heart rate to spike suddenly when getting up from sitting or lying down.
Other famous faces around the world have spoken about their own issues as a result of POTS – and there are some celebrities you wouldn’t have known struggled at all. Beyonce’s sister Solange Knowles was diagnosed in 2018, and former Radio 1 DJ and actress Jameela Jamil has been open about her struggles with POTS alongside Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in 2020.
The true scale of the condition isn’t fully known, but it is predicted to impact the lives of about four in every 2,000 people in the UK, according to Medscape. Figures suggest it is a problem that is more common in women than men.
POTS affects everyone to different degrees, which can sometimes make it hard to know if you’re actually suffering from the condition at all in cases where symptoms are mild. For some, however, it can have a big impact on their everyday lives.
There are some signs to watch out for and possibly document if you believe it could be a more serious problem. According to the NHS, some symptoms happen when you stand up and can improve when you sit or lie down. They include:
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- shaking and sweating
- fainting or nearly fainting
Those who suffer from the condition might notice things are worse in the morning after sleeping overnight. Some other lesser recognised symptoms may help you and a doctor pinpoint POTS as the cause of your issues.
You may get problems with your stomach or digestion, such as feeling or being sick. This can also present as diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and general stomach pain.
POTS sufferers may also be more prone to headaches or notice their hands and feet “looking purple” due to poor blood vessel regulation. Generally, you could feel weak and extremely tired, which may translate into poor sleep quality that worsens how you feel daily.
It’s not clear what causes POTS to develop. The NHS states there’s no cure for this condition, but it can be managed with lifestyle modifications or medication.
It can take time for people to be diagnosed with POTS, as the symptoms are similar to other conditions. So, if you believe you are suffering, book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
