Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) & Venous Compression Treatment in Northwest Indiana & Chicago
Understanding the vascular conditions that may contribute to POTS symptoms in Munster, Northwest Indiana, and the Chicago metro area.
Advanced Venous Evaluation for POTS in Munster & the Chicago Metro Area
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a complex condition that affects blood flow, heart rate regulation, and the autonomic nervous system. For many patients, symptoms can be debilitating and difficult to explain, often leading to years of specialist visits and unanswered questions.
While Illiana Vascular Center does not directly treat POTS itself, we specialize in diagnosing and treating venous disorders that may coexist with POTS or contribute to worsening symptoms.
Why an early POTS diagnosis matters
Research and clinical experience have shown that some patients with POTS may also have underlying vascular conditions that affect blood flow and circulation.
Understanding all potential contributors to symptoms allows patients and their healthcare teams to make more informed treatment decisions.
Many Patients Experience Delayed Diagnoses
Venous Compression Disorders Are Frequently Overlooked
Symptoms Often Overlap
Identifying Contributing Factors Matters
What you need to know about POTS
POTS is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that affects how the body regulates blood flow and heart rate when moving from a lying or sitting position to standing. When standing, patients with POTS often experience an abnormal increase in heart rate accompanied by a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life.
POTS affects each patient differently and may involve multiple contributing factors, including autonomic dysfunction, blood volume abnormalities, connective tissue disorders, and vascular conditions.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms may vary in severity and often fluctuate throughout the day. Many patients report symptoms that significantly affect work, exercise, and quality of life.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rapid heart rate when standing
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Exercise intolerance
- Leg heaviness
- Leg swelling
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Difficulty standing for extended periods
- Circulation problems
Conditions that may coexist with POTS
Some patients with POTS are later found to have underlying venous conditions that may affect circulation and blood return from the lower body.
It is important to understand that not every POTS patient has a venous compression disorder, and not every venous disorder causes POTS. However, identifying these conditions when present may help patients better understand their overall health picture.
May-Thurner Syndrome
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Iliac Vein Compression
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
When should a POTS patient consider a vascular evaluation?
A vascular evaluation may be worth discussing if you have POTS and also experience the symptoms below.
Patients who continue to experience unexplained symptoms despite ongoing care may benefit from additional vascular assessment.
Signs That May Warrant Evaluation
- Chronic leg swelling
- One-sided leg swelling
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Recurrent blood clots
- Unexplained circulation problems
- Significant leg heaviness
- Symptoms that worsen with prolonged standing
- A history of May-Thurner Syndrome or pelvic vein disorders
How we evaluate patients with POTS
At Illiana Vascular Center, our focus is on identifying venous compression disorders and circulation abnormalities—not diagnosing or managing POTS itself.
Comprehensive Vascular Consultation
Venous Ultrasound
Venogram
Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)
Evaluation for May-Thurner Syndrome & Vein Compression
Treatment options when venous compression is identified
Treatment is based on the specific vascular condition identified during evaluation.
Our goal is to improve blood flow and, when present, address underlying venous abnormalities.
Iliac Vein Balloon Angioplasty
A balloon catheter is used to open narrowed areas within the vein and improve circulation.
- Improved blood flow
- Reduced venous pressure
- Minimally invasive treatment
Iliac Vein Stenting
A specialized vascular stent may be placed to support the vein and maintain long-term blood flow.
- Improved circulation
- Durable vein support
- Outpatient procedure
- Short recovery period
Frequently asked questions about POTS
No. Illiana Vascular Center does not directly treat POTS. We evaluate patients for underlying vascular conditions that may coexist with POTS or contribute to circulation-related symptoms.
Understand the vascular side of your POTS symptoms
If you have POTS along with unexplained leg swelling, pelvic pain, or circulation problems, identifying a coexisting venous compression disorder may help complete your overall health picture.
Our team is here to evaluate the vascular conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms and build a personalized, minimally invasive treatment plan.