So you think you have POTS? how to diagnose and start treatment

Cardiologist Dr. Alexis Cutchins and host Dr. Kara Pepper explain orthostatic intolerance and how POTS fits within it, focusing on practical diagnosis and management. They review core diagnostic criteria and demonstrate how to perform the NASA 10‑minute stand test at home as a screening tool, while emphasizing the need to rule out other causes of tachycardia and lightheadedness (e.g., anemia, thyroid disorders, dehydration, arrhythmias) with targeted labs and cardiac testing, and when cardiology input is helpful. They outline a stepwise, primary‑care–friendly approach: first-line non‑medication strategies (high fluid and salt intake as tolerated, electrolyte support, compression garments, activity pacing, sleep and heat management), early but gradual exercise progression, and PT considerations to avoid overexertion and post‑exertional symptom flares. Medications are framed by mechanism (volume expansion, heart‑rate control, vasoconstriction, and symptom‑targeted agents), chosen based on patient phenotype and response. The episode stresses individualized care, monitoring safety, and collaboration between primary care and specialists to support long‑term function. Resources include a NASA Stand Test handout and Dr. Cutchins’ educational links.