Do most cardiologists know about POTS?

[DickinsonsMeadow]

I'm thinking of getting a second opinion. I don't want to be obnoxious--e.g. "I spent a little time on Google, so I know more than a medical professional"--but my cardiologist keeps making basic untrue statements about POTS. You know, stuff that scientific papers have as part of their "About POTS" abstracts. I'm considering getting a second opinion, but I'm not sure if I should or how to go about it. I'm not self-diagnosed, though the person who originally said I had it was a neurologist. I'm willing to accept my cardiologist's idea--it's the fault of meds I've taken for many years without a problem--if I hear it from someone I trust. It's just that those meds are critical to my mood stability and took many years to find. Frankly, I'm terrified of rocking the boat and want to be sure before I do anything drastic.

Any thoughts? If I do get someone else, how can I know they will be more knowledgeable about POTS?

[MikeO]

Can't speak to if most Cardiologists are POTS or Dysautonomia aware but back in 2019 i reached out to a completely different health care system (before i knew i had Dysautonomia) looking for a second opinion from a cardiologist and got lucky that he is aware of this and is very helpful with my core meds. so the roll of the dice panned out for me.

I would start by calling healthcare providers and make inquiries in regards to your concerns and that you are looking for a second look. 

Over the years i have had good luck with some of the Docs i have seen and then some not so good.  

[Sea otter]

If you are member of some POTS facebook groups maybe you can ask if someone can recommend cardiologist in your area that knows about POTS and is willing to help.

[DickinsonsMeadow]

Thanks, @MikeO. I think that's a great idea. @Sea otter, I do like word-of-mouth suggestions, and I will keep your idea in mind!

[Pistol]

@DickinsonsMeadow No, not every cardiologist can properly treat POTS. I fired 4 ignorant cardiologists when I became I'll in 2009 and ended up being diagnosed by an autonomic specialist, who happened to be a cardiologist. I had to travel out of state to see him, and he had a one year waiting period. Most cardiologists SHOULD be able to diagnose POTS based on symptoms and testing - but not all of them are aware of the different subtypes. Each type of POTS has a different treatment based on meds, in addition to the typical measures of increasing salt and fluid intake, compression garments when warranted and moderate exercise ( to prevent deconditioning, which can worsen POTS). Often they prescribe go-to meds, like beta blockers, Midodrine or florinef - not aware that these meds can make some POTS types worse. 

When my specialist retired I sought out a cardiologist at my state university hospital, and he was willing to educate himself about dysautonomia since I already had a diagnosis of HPOTS. Today he sees, diagnosed and treats many POTS patients. 

My suggestion would be to call around at major hospitals in your area and ask for a cardiologist mentioning dysautonomia treatment. 

[MomtoGiuliana]

We maintain a list of physicians here:

https://www.dinet.org/physicians/

certainly not exhaustive and there maybe no one listed here in your area.