Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is more than just feeling dizzy when you stand up — it’s a complex condition that can significantly affect your ability to live and work comfortably. From struggling to concentrate at school or work to feeling completely drained after everyday activities, POTS can impact nearly every aspect of life.
The good news? While there’s currently no single “cure,” many patients see meaningful improvements with the right combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and ongoing support from a healthcare provider who understands this condition.
If you’re in Milton, Brampton, or Mississauga, cardiologist Dr. Sunny Malhotra provides comprehensive care for POTS, helping patients manage symptoms and regain control over their lives.
Can POTS Affect My Daily Activities?
Absolutely. For many people, POTS symptoms appear during what most would consider routine tasks — standing in a grocery store line, taking a hot shower, walking through a warm day, or even focusing on a long meeting at work.
Common day-to-day challenges include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up
- Extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Brain fog — difficulty concentrating, processing information, or remembering details
- Palpitations — feeling your heart race unexpectedly
- Exercise intolerance — becoming exhausted quickly from even mild activity
Triggers can vary, but many patients notice that prolonged standing, heat, dehydration, and high stress tend to make symptoms worse. For students and working adults, this can mean frequent breaks, adjustments to schedules, and accommodations to avoid symptom flare-ups.
Is POTS a Heart Disease?
Not exactly. POTS is not caused by a structural problem in the heart, such as a blocked artery or faulty valve. Instead, it’s a circulatory regulation disorder — the body’s autonomic nervous system doesn’t properly manage blood flow when you move from lying down to standing.
That said, the main symptom — a rapid increase in heart rate upon standing — directly involves the cardiovascular system. This is why cardiologists play such an important role in diagnosing and managing POTS. They have the tools to measure heart rate and blood pressure changes, perform tilt-table testing, and prescribe targeted medications to help control symptoms.
What Can I Do at Home to Help Manage POTS?
Lifestyle changes are the foundation of POTS management. While every patient is different, many people see improvement when they incorporate these strategies (always check with your doctor before making significant changes):
- Stay Hydrated – Aim for 2–3 liters of water each day to help increase blood volume.
- Increase Salt Intake – If recommended by your doctor, more dietary salt can help your body retain fluid and stabilize blood pressure.
- Wear Compression Stockings – Waist-high compression garments can reduce blood pooling in the legs.
- Exercise in a Recumbent Position – Start with activities like rowing, recumbent cycling, or swimming before progressing to upright exercises.
- Avoid Triggers – Heat, dehydration, alcohol, and prolonged standing can make symptoms worse.
Small adjustments — such as taking short breaks to sit, drinking electrolyte-rich fluids, or wearing cooling garments on hot days — can make a noticeable difference in how you feel.
What Treatments Can a Cardiologist Offer for POTS?
While lifestyle changes are key, a cardiologist experienced in POTS can offer additional medical interventions to help you manage symptoms more effectively. Dr. Sunny Malhotra provides a comprehensive approach that may include:
- Medications – Beta-blockers to reduce heart rate, fludrocortisone to help retain fluids, or midodrine to improve blood vessel constriction.
- Structured Exercise Guidance – Safe, gradual reconditioning plans to improve circulation without triggering symptom flare-ups.
- Referrals to Other Specialists – Such as physiotherapists, neurologists, or autonomic disorder experts when additional expertise is needed.
- Ongoing Monitoring – Regular follow-ups to adjust treatment plans as symptoms change.
Because POTS often overlaps with other chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, autoimmune disorders, or long COVID, coordinated care between specialists can lead to better results.
Where Can I Find a POTS Specialist Near Me?
Finding a healthcare provider who truly understands POTS can be challenging. Many patients spend years being misdiagnosed before finding answers.
If you live in Milton, Brampton, or Mississauga, you have local access to specialized care through Dr. Sunny Malhotra’s cardiology clinic. He offers:
- Expertise in autonomic and cardiovascular disorders
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle
- Access to diagnostic tools like tilt-table testing
- Long-term support to help you adjust as symptoms change over time
Living Well with POTS is Possible
While POTS can be frustrating and unpredictable, many patients see significant improvement when they work with an experienced cardiologist and commit to a structured management plan. Small daily adjustments — combined with targeted medical care — can lead to more stability, better energy levels, and greater confidence in daily life.
If you’re experiencing unexplained dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or chronic fatigue, don’t ignore the symptoms. Early diagnosis can help you avoid unnecessary tests, reduce symptom severity, and start you on the path toward a more active, balanced life.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to face POTS alone. If you’re in Milton, Brampton, or Mississauga, contact Dr. Sunny Malhotra today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
