What You’ve Heard About POTS Might Be Wrong
POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) is often misunderstood—even by healthcare providers. Misinformation about the condition delays diagnosis and care.
Here’s what research actually reveals.
POTS is a legitimate medical condition.
POTS is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a chronic, multi-system, and often disabling disorder of the autonomic nervous system. The condition is well-documented in peer-reviewed medical literature. The diagnosis requires clinical evaluation and autonomic testing.
POTS is not rare.
POTS was thought to impact approximately 3 million people in the United States alone before the COVID-19 pandemic began. A recent (2025) study analyzing data from over 65 million patients found that the incidence rate of POTS has increased dramatically from 1.42 to 20.3 per 1,000,000 cases per person-years since the start of the pandemic. Another recent (2022) study reported that 2% to 14% of COVID-19 survivors develop POTS.
POTS is not caused by anxiety or psychological stress.
Research has established that the excessive heart rate response seen in POTS during orthostatic stress is a physiological reaction and is not related to anxiety or psychological stress. The tachycardia seen in those with the condition is a direct physiological response to standing or orthostatic stress. POTS itself can actually cause anxiety in some individuals.
POTS can be devastating.
Research has found that POTS can cause impairment in functioning similar to that of congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
People with POTS wait 4+ years on average for a POTS diagnosis after their symptoms begin. 75% of POTS patients report a history of experiencing 1+ misdiagnoses.
People with POTS see an average of 7 physicians for their symptoms before receiving a POTS diagnosis.
