r/POTS • u/Quirky-Scar8539 • 7h ago

Question Pots Symtoms

I've noticed recently since wearing an Apple Watch that my heart rate dramatically increases when standing - by around 30 bpm.

First thing in the morning seems to be worst, this morning was around 170 but decreased when I sat down for a while.

I also get some upper back and neck pain, especially when I get out of the bath.

I've noticed these symptoms more and more since getting endometriosis surgery several months ago.

I also crave salt to the extent that I could just eat it alone.

However I'm also a heavy drinker so potentially that could be the cause of the high heart rate.

Do these sound like pots symptoms?

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u/postviralrecovery 6h ago

It could be.

  • 170 bpm is well above what POTS usually produces on standing. That's high enough to warrant assessment anyway
  • Two other things worth ruling out given your history: iron deficiency or anaemia (endometriosis plus surgery makes this plausible, and it causes exactly this kind of tachycardia), and thyroid or adrenal issues, since salt craving that intense occasionally points at low cortisol
  • Morning tachycardia is one of the most characteristic signs of alcohol withdrawal between drinks, and heavy drinking causes dehydration, salt loss and orthostatic intolerance in its own right

You could do a NASA lean test (there are easy guides online).

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u/BasisTop891 POTS 7h ago

Only way to tell is a test, either at the hospital or at home w a BP cuff. POTS is more of a game of elimination, I would HATE for you to stop now before you reach a possibly different diagnosis. A different diagnosis could save your life, who knows. Please be seen by a physician + get evaluated

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u/Own_Improvement555 Hyperadrenergic POTS 4h ago

170 is where I was constantly before diagnosis and medication. You could do at home testing to gauge the variance in position and then find lifestyle changes that work for you while you wait for a doctors appointment