A form of low blood pressure that occurs upon standing. This is because gravity makes the blood in your legs and abdomen pool; causing your blood pressure to decrease, due to the lack of blood circulating back to your heart. Normally, special cells sense this change and immediately signals the brain to ensure your heart beats faster and pumps more blood. Pretty impressive stuff! Although some of us don’t have this natural ability and become lightheaded; dizzy; weak; nauseous; confused and prone to fainting.

Another condition that causes a drop in blood supplied to the heart and brain upon standing. Causing your heart to race, as it tries to compensate for the drop in blood supply. Both PoTS and Orthostatic Hypotension have similar symptoms. However, PoTS can also cause heart palpitations; uncontrollable shaking; sweating; fatigue; chest pain and shortness of breath.

This occurs when you faint, as your body is reacting to a trigger. Causing a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn reduces blood flow to the brain. Collectively these symptoms can lead to a brief loss of consciousness. Common triggers include standing for long periods and/or suddenly changing position, heat exposure and extreme pain.