If you have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), you may also experience symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). These two conditions often overlap, making symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog even harder to manage. Understanding how POTS and CFS connect can help you take better control of your health and improve your daily life.
In this guide, we’ll explain what POTS is, how it relates to CFS, common signs to watch for, and simple steps to manage both conditions together.
What Is POTS and How Does It Relate to CFS?
POTS is a condition where your heart rate increases abnormally when you stand up, sometimes causing dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue. It happens because the autonomic nervous system—which controls automatic body functions like heart rate and blood pressure—is not working properly.
Many people with CFS also have POTS. Both conditions share similar symptoms, including:
- Extreme fatigue
- Brain fog and trouble concentrating
- Dizziness or fainting when standing
- Rapid heartbeats or palpitations
- Exercise intolerance
This overlap means that managing one condition can often help with the other, especially since both involve nervous system dysregulation.
Video to Watch: To understand more about the link between POTS and CFS, check out this video on POTS and CFS interactions.
Common Symptoms of POTS in People with CFS
If you have CFS, watch for these common signs of POTS:
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations when you stand or sit up
- Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or like you might faint when upright
- Increased fatigue after standing or mild activity
- Brain fog or difficulty focusing
- Nausea or digestive discomfort
- Muscle weakness or exercise intolerance
Recognizing these symptoms can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment.
How to Manage POTS and CFS Together
1. Stay Hydrated and Increase Salt Intake
Drinking enough water and adding salt to your diet (with your doctor’s approval) helps increase blood volume and improves circulation. This can reduce dizziness and fatigue.
2. Wear Compression Garments
Compression socks or abdominal binders prevent blood from pooling in your legs and improve circulation, which helps your heart and nervous system function better.
3. Pace Your Activity
Avoid pushing yourself too hard. Break your day into small tasks with plenty of rest in between. Gentle, seated exercises are often safer and more effective than standing or high-intensity workouts.
4. Avoid Triggers
Heat, dehydration, and sudden position changes can worsen symptoms. Try to stay cool, well-hydrated, and move slowly when changing posture.
Video to Watch: For tips on pacing and gentle movement with POTS, watch this video on safe exercises.
When to Get Medical Help
If you experience severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or other worrying symptoms, seek immediate medical care. For ongoing support, find healthcare providers experienced in both POTS and CFS, such as neurologists or cardiologists familiar with autonomic disorders.
Final Thoughts
Living with POTS and CFS can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies—like hydration, pacing, and compression—you can reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. Take small steps and work closely with your healthcare team to find what works best for you.