Hello, thank you for sharing your concern. Your symptoms can be suggestive of POTS, but a formal diagnosis requires medical evaluation.
Please arrange a visit with a pediatrician/cardiologist. They will physically examine you and make a proper diagnosis. Get these tests done - CBC, FT3 FT4 TSH, Sr. Electrolytes.
Meanwhile, helpful measures: Drink plenty of fluids (2–3 L/day if not medically restricted). Increase salt intake (if no BP/kidney issues). Avoid long hot showers; use lukewarm water. Stand up slowly and consider compression stockings. Regular gentle exercise (walking, cycling, leg-strengthening).
Because you have fainting episodes, please seek an in-person medical evaluation soon for proper assessment and treatment.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
Your symptoms — heart rate rising 40–70 bpm on standing, frequent dizziness, blood pooling in the legs, and fainting (especially in the shower) — are concerning and do fit the pattern of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, particularly since this has been ongoing for more than 6 months. However, other conditions like anemia, thyroid disorders, dehydration, or heart rhythm problems must be ruled out before confirming the diagnosis. Please see a Pediatrician or Pediatric Cardiologist urgently for proper evaluation (including orthostatic vitals, blood tests, and possibly a tilt-table test), and seek immediate care if fainting becomes more frequent, you injure yourself, or have chest pain.
Hello
What you’re describing does sound very consistent with POTS, especially for a teenage girl — but it needs medical confirmation
What to do next Tell a parent/guardian ASAP See a pediatrician or pediatric cardiologist
Check; Orthostatic vitals (lying → standing HR/BP) ECG Possibly a tilt-table test Blood work (iron, hydration, thyroid
Increase fluids (aim for pale yellow urine) Increase salt (only if a doctor says it’s okay) Avoid long hot showers (heat worsens POTS) Sit or lie down immediately if dizzy Compression stockings can help with leg pooling
You’re not imagining this. POTS is common in teen girls, especially during growth and hormonal changes — and many people improve with treatment
I trust this helps Thank you Take care
Hello Thank you for sharing all these details—it sounds like you’re going through a lot, and your symptoms are very real and concerning. The pattern you describe—heart rate jumping up by 40–70 beats per minute when you stand, dizziness, fainting (especially after showers or standing), blood pooling in your legs, and a very high heart rate during activity—does fit with symptoms seen in POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
Given that you’ve been experiencing this for more than 6 months, with frequent dizziness and fainting, it’s important to get a proper evaluation. POTS is a real condition, and you deserve support and answers.
Here’s what you should do next:
- Tell a parent or trusted adult right away about your symptoms, especially the fainting and very high heart rates.
- See a doctor as soon as possible (ideally a pediatrician or a cardiologist). They can do simple tests (like measuring your heart rate and blood pressure lying down and standing up) to help diagnose POTS or rule out other causes.
- In the meantime:
- Drink plenty of fluids and add a little extra salt to your food (if your doctor says it’s okay).
- Avoid standing up too quickly.
- Wear compression stockings if available.
- Take breaks and sit or lie down if you feel dizzy.
Important:
- Fainting, especially with a very high heart rate, can sometimes be serious. If you faint again, have chest pain, or feel very unwell, get medical help immediately.
Thank you and get well soon
These symptoms are very suggestive of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
POTS is a condition where:
Heart rate increases too much when standing
Blood pools in the legs
Less blood goes to the brain
Causes dizziness, fainting, weakness, fatigue
Your heart rate increase of 40–70 bpm when standing meets the typical criteria for POTS in teenagers (≥40 bpm rise).
It sounds like you’re describing symptoms consistent with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which can certainly make you feel worried. POTS involves an abnormal increase in heart rate after standing up, often accompanied by symptoms like dizziness and fainting. However, it’s essential to confirm this with a healthcare professional who can properly assess the situation. At your age, it’s particularly important to get a full evaluation to rule out other conditions that could mimic POTS. A key part of diagnosing POTS involves documenting the heart rate change between sitting and standing positions, typically a sustained increase of 30 beats per minute (or more than 40 bpm in teenagers) within 10 minutes of standing. A tilt table test might sometimes be used. Your description of blood pooling, dizziness, and high heart rates during activities could align with POTS, but it’s vital to consider other causes as well, like dehydration, anemia, or other cardiovascular issues. Ensuring you are well-hydrated and increasing salt intake under medical supervision could potentially help, but given the severity of your symptoms, particularly the fainting episodes, it’s crucial to seek a medical evaluation promptly. Make sure you talk with your parents or guardians about seeing a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They might refer you to a specialist familiar with autonomic disorders, who can guide the diagnostics and management steps best suited for your case. In the meantime, try to avoid prolonged standing and use compression garments if suggested. Rest before getting out of bed, and when you change positions, do it gradually. There could be lifestyle modifications, or if needed, medications that a doctor could recommend to manage symptoms effectively.
