Children's Heart Institute Children's Heart Institute

POTS Treatment in NOVA & Maryland

This condition is a type of dysautonomia. Normally, when a person stands, gravity pulls blood to the lower extremities. The nervous system senses this and sends a message to the blood vessels in the legs to constrict, sending more blood back to the heart and the head. In patients with POTS, this message to constrict the blood vessels does not get sent. Therefore, instead of the heart rate increasing by a normal 10 to 15 beats per minute upon standing, it increases by more than 30 beats and can even double.

At The Children’s Heart Institute, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine,, we take a family approach to medical care. In addition to the attending pediatric cardiologist, the practice also utilizes the expert medical services of pediatric sub-specialists for non-cardiac problems. For more information about the treatment options for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) at our pediatric cardiology clinic in Maryland and Virginia, call us today to schedule your child’s appointment.

By affecting circulation, it also affects cerebral blood flow. Patients with POTS may not be able to sustain sitting or standing for a long period of time, as this will affect their circulation. They will not be able to maintain that posture without feeling dizzy, lightheaded, and may even faint.

What Are Symptoms of POTS Disease?

On any given day they may experience the following symptoms:

  • Orthostatic Intolerance (lightheadedness, dizziness)
  • Chest pain
  • Headaches
  • Gastrointestinal cramps
  • Inability to focus and concentrate for long periods
  • Inability to read due to blurred vision
  • Difficulty with recall
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Exercise Intolerance
  • Tremulousness
  • Appetite Disturbance
  • Insomnia

Schedule Treatment for POTS at the Children’s Heart Institute

If your child is experiencing circulatory issues, contact The Children’s Heart Institute, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, to discuss Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome testing and treatment. For more information about the symptoms of POTS, schedule a visit at one of our pediatric cardiology clinics in Virginia and Maryland to speak with our pediatric cardiology specialists today!