Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-06
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a specific form of dysautonomia characterized by an abnormal heart rate increase upon standing, and it is frequently referred to by several clinical synonyms and related diagnostic labels. Common Synonyms and Abbreviations While Dysautonomia is the umbrella term describing a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, POTS is the most widely recognized clinical diagnosis for the specific symptomatic presentation of orthostatic intolerance. You may encounter the following names in medical literature or patient records: Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (a common shorthand) Da Costa’s Syndrome (a historical term from the American Civil War era, also known as "soldier’s heart") Irritable Heart Syndrome (historical) Orthostatic Tachycardia Classification and Official Nomenclature In medical coding, POTS is most commonly classified under the ICD-10 code G90.9 (Disorder of the autonomic nervous system, unspecified) or, more specifically, by the tachycardia symptoms associated with it (e.g., I47.1).
Dysautonomia / POTS synonyms
Other names for Dysautonomia / POTS: synonyms, acronyms and related terms used by doctors and patients.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a specific form of dysautonomia characterized by an abnormal heart rate increase upon standing, and it is frequently referred to by several clinical synonyms and related diagnostic labels.
Common Synonyms and Abbreviations
While Dysautonomia is the umbrella term describing a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, POTS is the most widely recognized clinical diagnosis for the specific symptomatic presentation of orthostatic intolerance. You may encounter the following names in medical literature or patient records:
- Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (a common shorthand)
- Da Costa’s Syndrome (a historical term from the American Civil War era, also known as "soldier’s heart")
- Irritable Heart Syndrome (historical)
- Orthostatic Tachycardia
Classification and Official Nomenclature
In medical coding, POTS is most commonly classified under the ICD-10 code G90.9 (Disorder of the autonomic nervous system, unspecified) or, more specifically, by the tachycardia symptoms associated with it (e.g., I47.1). In the OMIM database, various forms of dysautonomia are categorized based on their underlying genetic or acquired etiology. Orphanet recognizes POTS as a distinct clinical entity within the broader spectrum of autonomic system diseases.
Why Multiple Names Exist
The proliferation of names for Dysautonomia / POTS stems from its long history of being misunderstood. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, doctors often attributed these symptoms to psychological distress or "nervous exhaustion," leading to terms like "neurocirculatory asthenia." As our understanding of the autonomic nervous system has matured, the medical community has moved away from these historical labels toward more descriptive, physiological names like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Today, medical professionals prefer the term POTS because it accurately describes the defining clinical feature: an excessive heart rate increase (tachycardia) that occurs specifically upon changing to an upright posture.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
- Orphanet: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
- Dysautonomia International: Understanding POTS
