According to Johns Hopkins, there are 3 different kinds of POTS: Neuropathic, Hyperadrenergic, and Hypovolemic. These types aren’t distinct, as many patient exhibit symptoms of multiple types at the same time. The category of your POTS can also change (eg. it can become hyperadrenergic later on)
Neuropathic POTS is a term used to describe POTS associated with damage to the small fiber nerves (small-fiber neuropathy). These nerves regulate the constriction of the blood vessels in the limbs and abdomen.
Hyperadrenergic POTS is a term used to describe POTS associated with elevated levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine. In hyperadrenergic POTS, blood pressure is often elevated upon standing. A common test for hyperadrenergic POTS (aka “hyperPOTS”) is to take a plasma norepinephrine laying & standing. If it rises more than 600 between laying & standing, that’s suggestive of hyperPOTS.
Hypovolemic POTS is a term used to describe POTS associated with abnormally low levels of blood (hypovolemia).
Pink Salt Collective 