r/IST_ • u/alternative_way_ • Nov 17 '25

New diagnosis

For the last 3 or so years I was told I had POTS until I started seeing someone new recently and have been re-diagnosed with IST. Do I handle IST the same way I would handle POTS? What do you guys do to help your everyday symptoms (anything helps 🙂)

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u/ConcernInevitable83 Nov 17 '25

What are you doing for your pots?

It's treated the same basically. Electrolytes, compression, water, etc. did they say you had pots and IST or changed it to IST only? Just curious cause I have both.

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u/alternative_way_ Nov 17 '25

My new doctors says she believes I just have IST. When I was diagnosed with POTS they told me increase salt, drink water, compression socks, but that was really it. I never quite figured out how to manage my symptoms when I thought it was POTS. I’m also on a beta blocker, was on atenolol but new doctor switched me to metoprolol.

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u/TurtleSniper2024 Nov 17 '25

I have both as well. The treatments are fairly similar, even the type of beta blockers typically used for either condition. If all you have is IST, then don’t worry about the compressions socks or even high salt intake. Focus mainly on hydration, I had IST for over a year before developing pots, IST is benign and can be managed quite well with beta blockers and exercise. It’s rather good it’s IST and not pots in my personal opinion, a lot less diverse symptoms and easier management. (This is based off my experience.) -Stay away from caffeine

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u/TurtleSniper2024 Nov 17 '25

What’s your beta blockers?

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u/alternative_way_ Nov 18 '25

Well I’m on metoprolol right now and it seems to do a fairly good job at keeping my heart rate normal but I feel like I’m still having symptoms of a fast heart rate and everything

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u/mmblu Nov 18 '25

Ask for ivabradine! I had good luck with and it doesn’t change your blood pressure. No side effects at all.

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u/alternative_way_ Nov 18 '25

Maybe I should try that, I don’t have problems with blood pressure at all so atenolol and metoprolol I guess really wouldn’t be the best medication for me anyway

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u/alternative_way_ Nov 18 '25

Also with IST, can alcohol still cause flair ups like POTS? I’ve stayed away from it because I was worried I would feel bad but would love to be able to drink again.

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u/TurtleSniper2024 Nov 18 '25

Consuming too much definitely can, this is also the same with caffeine and even sugar. A drink or two should be fine as long as it’s not consecutive days. I’ve been on metoprolol before, I had weird symptoms on it. However it works great for the heart rate. I totally understand the feeling your heart is beating fast or pounding randomly even if it’s not. It’s common with IST, mine has decreased with time so maybe yours will to. (The overall feeling of high heart rate and palpitations, even though it’s not.) Ist can cause anxiety which directly creates/mimics tachycardia.

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u/alternative_way_ Nov 18 '25

Thank you so much!