top of page

Blog

POTS and hypovolemia

Writer: Jane Green MBEJane Green MBE


Dysautonomia is dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls essential functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and body temperature. There’s an overlap between all types of symptomatic hypermobility and dysautonomia.


POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, is the best-known form of dysautonomia. People with POTS may have a range of symptoms, like heart palpitations, dizziness, brain fog, headache, and gastrointestinal issues. It’s diagnosed by a 30 beat per minute heart rate increase (40 beat increase for teens) that happens in the first 10 minutes after moving from lying down to an upright position. Due to the autonomic dysfunction, the heart has to work harder against gravity to pump blood up to the heart and head, leading to the sudden heart rate and symptom spike.


A common physiologic sign in POTS is hypovolemia, or decreased blood volume. A first-line fix is expanding blood volume through fluid and electrolytes. Generally, the recommendations are 2-3 liters of water, and up to 10 grams of salt(1) but there are a few caveats there. For most people, a mix of electrolytes, like sodium, potassium and even a little magnesium will work better than just salt. There are a range of electrolyte products that can help, and most of the time, it makes sense to increase fluids and electrolytes together and gradually. If you only increase fluids, you’ll just be making more bathroom visits.


It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor, dietitian and health care team first and check in with them along the way, because some conditions like kidney disease, heart problems, or even symptoms of long COVID require special tailoring of the recommendations.


A few small studies suggest that a gluten-free or a low glycemic diet may be helpful for people with POTS.2,3 Checking in with a trained dietitian or nutrition professional can help ensure you’re still getting the nutrients you need.


Here are some differents way to get enough salt


by C Harris MPH RD

SEDSConnective adviser

 

1 Raj SR, Guzman JC, Harvey P, et al. Canadian Cardiovascular Society position statement on postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and related disorders of chronic orthostatic intolerance. Can J Cardiol. 2020;36(3):357-372. doi:10.1016/j.cjca.2019.12.024

2. Zha K, Brook J, McLaughlin A, Blitshteyn S. Gluten-free diet in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Chronic Illn. 2023;19(2):409-417. doi:10.1177/17423953221076984

3. Breier NC, Paranjape SY, Scudder S, et al. Worsening Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Is Associated With Increased Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Secretion. Hypertension. 2022;79(5):e89-e99. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.121.17852

 

 

Comments


Let's Connect

We are the leading neurodivergent and symptomatic hypermobility charity.  We support those with or without a formal diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, TS, dyslexia or dyscalculia. We also support those with or without a formal Ehlers-Danlos or Hypermobillity Spectrum Disorder. Also associated conditions like dysautonomia, POTS OI, MCAS, Gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, pain  along with their families, carers, friends and allied professionals.

Address: Planet House, North Heath Lane Industrial Estate, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 5QE

Phone: 07376 973 688

Registered Charity No: 1199724

  • TikTok
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • X
  • Youtube
  • bluesky_media_kit_logo_transparent_1
easy fund raising logo

Support us as you shop online with easyfundraising!

©2025 by SEDSConnective 

Be the first to know

Subscribe to our email list to receive newsletters, blog posts and updates

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed

Thanks for subscribing!

bottom of page