10 Early Signs of POTS You Shouldn’t Ignore

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and brushed off as anxiety — especially in teenagers and young adults. Many people live with symptoms for years before anyone puts the pieces together.

But here’s the truth:

Your body is trying to tell you something.

And the earlier you understand the signs, the faster you can get the support and care you need.

Here are 10 early symptoms of POTS that you shouldn’t ignore:

1. Lightheadedness or dizziness when standing

This is one of the most classic early signs. The sudden shift in position causes your heart rate to spike as your body struggles to maintain blood flow to the brain.

2. Fast heart rate (tachycardia)

A resting heart rate that feels “too fast,” or a heart rate that jumps 30–40 BPM upon standing, is a major red flag for POTS.

3. Extreme fatigue that doesn’t match your activity level

Not just tired — depleted. Drained in a way that sleep doesn’t fix.

4. Brain fog and concentration issues

Difficulty focusing, memory lapses, and mental “heaviness” are heavily linked to blood flow and autonomic dysfunction.

5. Feeling shaky or weak

Even light activity can trigger trembles or muscle weakness.

6. Intolerance to heat

Hot showers, warm weather, or standing in a hot room can trigger symptoms instantly.

7. Chest pain or tightness

This can be alarming, but it’s a common part of dysautonomia related to elevated heart rate.

8. Digestive issues

Bloating, nausea, early fullness, constipation, or IBS-like symptoms are extremely common.

9. Frequent headaches or migraines

Autonomic dysfunction can disrupt blood flow enough to trigger headaches or migraines.

10. Feeling like something is “off” but no one can explain it

This is often the biggest one — you feel unwell, but every test looks “normal.”

When to take symptoms seriously

If you’ve been experiencing several of these symptoms, especially after standing, illness, pregnancy, or a growth spurt, it’s worth talking to a doctor familiar with dysautonomia.

You deserve answers. And you deserve support.

If you’re struggling with symptoms and don’t know where to start, book a virtual POTS coaching session. Together, we can create a plan to help you understand your symptoms and feel more in control of your health.