Do I Have POTS Quiz - Understand POTS Syndrome and Take a Self-Assessment

Do I Have POTS Syndrome? Understanding the Condition and Self-Assessment Quiz

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a complex condition that can be difficult to diagnose. It is characterized by an abnormally increased heart rate and lightheadedness or fainting when standing up. If you suspect you may have POTS, this overview of the syndrome along with a self-assessment quiz can help provide insight before seeking medical evaluation.

POTS Syndrome Overview

POTS affects the autonomic nervous system which controls unconscious body functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, etc. Key aspects include:

• Excessive increase in heart rate when standing up, without associated low blood pressure.
• Lightheadedness, palpitations, tremulousness, generalized weakness upon standing.
• Symptoms relieved by lying back down and resting.
• Occurs more frequently in women than men.
• Often worsened by warm temperatures, dehydration, high carbohydrate meals.

While the exact cause is not known, factors like autoimmune disorders, nerve damage, genetics, circulatory problems, and more may play a role. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed through increased fluid and salt intake, compression garments, exercise, and medications.

Common POTS Syndrome Symptoms

Some of the most common POTS symptoms when moving from lying down to standing include:

• Rapid increase in heart rate / palpitations
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Weakness or fatigue
• Headache
• Visual disturbances
• Nausea
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shakiness or tremors
• Shortness of breath
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

POTS Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria

To receive a POTS diagnosis, a person generally must meet these standards:

• Sustained heart rate increase of 30+ beats per minute within 10 minutes of standing.
• Absence of orthostatic hypotension - a blood pressure drop upon standing.
• Symptoms present for 6+ months.
• Symptoms exacerbate with standing and improve with sitting/lying down.
• Lack of other condition that could cause the symptoms.

A tilt-table test can help confirm the diagnosis by monitoring heart rate and blood pressure responses to postural changes under controlled conditions.

Self-Assessment: Do I Have POTS Quiz

If you are experiencing potential POTS symptoms, this simple self-assessment quiz can help provide insight into whether you may have this condition:

1. Do you feel lightheaded or dizzy when standing up from sitting or lying down?

• Yes, nearly every time I stand up
• Yes, frequently/sometimes when I stand up
• Rarely
• No, I do not experience lightheadedness upon standing

2. Do you experience palpitations, rapid heartbeat, or chest discomfort when standing up?

• Nearly every time
• Frequently
• Occasionally
• Rarely or never

3. Do you feel weak, fatigued, or shaky when you stand up?

• Yes, profound weakness/fatigue
• Yes, moderate weakness
• Yes, mild weakness
• No, I do not feel weak when standing

4. Do you experience any other symptoms when standing up, like nausea, vision changes, or shortness of breath?

• Yes, 3 or more additional symptoms
• Yes, 1-2 additional symptoms
• No, no additional symptoms

5. Do your symptoms improve if you sit or lie back down?

• Yes, symptoms resolve quickly when no longer standing
• Yes, symptoms take a while to fully resolve
• No, lying down does not help

6. How long have you been experiencing these symptoms for?

• 6 months or longer
• 2-6 months
• Less than 2 months

7. How often do you experience these symptoms?

• Daily or almost daily
• Frequently throughout each week
• Occasionally, less than weekly

8. Are your symptoms exacerbated by warm weather, hot showers, or dehydration?

• Yes, these tend to make my symptoms noticeably worse
• Possibly/slightly worse with these factors
• No, these do not affect my symptoms

9. Do you have any underlying medical conditions that may be associated with POTS, like autoimmune disease, joint hypermobility, diabetes, etc?

• Yes
• No
• I'm not sure

10. Are you female, aged 15-50 years old?

• Yes
• No

Quiz Results Analysis

If you answered "Yes" or the most frequent/severe option to many of the questions, your symptoms may align with POTS syndrome. The more questions you identified with, the more likely POTS could be contributing to the issues you experience upon standing.

On the other hand, if you answered "No" or the least frequent/severe options to most questions, it is less likely you are exhibiting true POTS symptoms. However, you should still mention these occurrences to your doctor.

This quiz provides only a preliminary possibility of whether POTS is occurring based on your subjective symptoms. Be sure to discuss your concerns with a doctor, who can conduct proper diagnostic tests to determine if POTS or a different condition is causing your symptoms.

Getting an Accurate POTS Diagnosis

Since POTS symptoms can mimic other conditions like low blood pressure, anxiety, anemia, and more, it is essential to get an accurate diagnosis from a doctor. Steps in the diagnosis process may include:

• Medical history - Discussion of current symptoms and health conditions.
• Physical exam - Checking heart, lungs, nervous system etc.
• Tilt-table test - Lying and standing to measure heart rate and blood pressure changes.
• Blood tests - To evaluate blood count, hormones, electrolytes etc.
• Autonomic testing - Assessing sweating, heart rate, blood pressure responses.

Based on these results your doctor can confirm if POTS is the cause of your symptoms. Other conditions that produce similar signs will also be ruled out.

Treatment Options for POTS Syndrome

While there is no cure for POTS itself, a variety of treatment options exist to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include:

Lifestyle Changes

• Exercise regularly - This helps grow new blood vessels and improve cardiovascular functioning.
• Increase fluid and salt intake - Helps increase blood volume to prevent blood pressure drops upon standing.
• Raise the head of your bed - Promotes blood flow to the brain and body.
• Wear compression garments - Helps improve venous blood return to the heart.
• Avoid aggravating factors like heat, alcohol, and skipping meals.

Medications

• Beta blockers - Help slow rapid heart rate and reduce palpitations.
• Midodrine - Vasoconstrictor that prevents blood pressure drops.
• Fludrocortisone - Increases blood volume by helping retain salt.
• Ivabradine - Reduces heart rate.
• SSRIs - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can sometimes help alleviate symptoms.

Keep in mind medications come with potential side effects, so their pros and cons should be discussed with your doctor.

Other Therapies

• IV saline - Intravenous fluids can quickly increase blood volume.
• Compression stockings - Improve blood flow and venous return.
• Counseling - Helps develop coping strategies for living with chronic POTS symptoms.

The Bottom Line

If you frequently feel dizzy, lightheaded, or experience heart palpitations when standing up, you may wonder - do I have POTS? This overview of the syndrome along with the self-assessment quiz can provide initial insight into whether you should be evaluated for POTS by a medical professional. Getting an accurate diagnosis allows you to implement the appropriate treatment plan to successfully manage your symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.