What is POTS?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition characterized by an excessive increase in heart rate upon standing. Though it's a part of the broader category of dysautonomia, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, POTS specifically involves the cardiovascular system's response to standing up from a reclining position, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and in severe cases, fainting. This condition affects a diverse group of people, including several well-known public figures and celebrities who have spoken out about their experiences with POTS, raising awareness and contributing to a better understanding of the condition.

Famous People with POTS:

Here's a list of celebrities who have been open about their struggles with POTS, providing both insight and inspiration to those dealing with similar issues:

Halsey

Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, known professionally as Halsey, is a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter celebrated for her distinctive voice and emotive lyrics. Halsey has been open about her health struggles, revealing a diagnosis of POTS alongside Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Her candidness about dealing with these conditions has helped raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of chronic illnesses within her fanbase and the broader public.

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell, globally recognized as Billie Eilish, is a Grammy-winning artist known for her profound impact on the music scene with hits like "Bad Guy." Eilish has shared her experiences with various health issues, including symptoms aligning with POTS, as part of a more extensive conversation about her health. Her openness contributes significantly to the visibility of invisible illnesses and the challenges they bring.

Bethenny Frankel

Bethenny Frankel, an entrepreneur and reality TV star best known for her role in "The Real Housewives of New York City" and her Skinnygirl brand, has shared insights into living with POTS. Frankel's discussions about her daily challenges and health management strategies have provided a source of support and information for others dealing with similar conditions.

Tori Foles

Tori Moore Foles, the wife of NFL quarterback Nick Foles, has been public about her diagnosis of POTS, which is secondary to Lyme disease. Her story of resilience and strength offers inspiration to many, highlighting the personal challenges and triumphs faced by those living with chronic illnesses.

Mara Wilson

Mara Elizabeth Wilson, known for her childhood roles in "Matilda" and "Mrs. Doubtfire," has spoken candidly about her experiences with POTS. Wilson's transition from child actress to writer and advocate for mental health and chronic illness issues has included open discussions about the impact of POTS on her life, offering valuable perspective and encouragement to others.

Brittany Bowes

Brittany Bowe, an Olympic speed skater and world record holder, has shared her experiences with POTS, shedding light on how the condition affects individuals even at peak physical fitness. Bowes' story is particularly inspiring for athletes and those in physically demanding careers, demonstrating that success is possible with proper management and support.

Gigi Robinson

Gigi Robinson, a Sports Illustrated model and health advocate, has been transparent about her POTS diagnosis. Robinson uses her platform to raise awareness and advocate for those with the condition, contributing to the growing conversation about chronic illnesses and how they intersect with various aspects of life, including professional careers in modeling and entertainment.

Jameela Jamil

Jameela Alia Jamil, an actress, advocate, and host known for her role in "The Good Place," has mentioned her battle with POTS among other health issues. Jamil's activism and public discourse often touch upon the importance of recognizing and accommodating chronic illnesses, making her a prominent voice in the fight for health equality and understanding.

Greg Page (The Wiggles)

Gregory John Page, better known as Greg Page or the original Yellow Wiggle from the children's music group The Wiggles, has talked about his POTS diagnosis and its impact on his career and life. His decision to step back from performing due to health concerns has brought significant attention to POTS and its effects on individuals in high-energy professions.

Tucker Budzyn’s Human Companion

The person behind the popular social media account Tucker Budzyn, has discussed their diagnosis of POTS and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), offering a unique perspective on managing these conditions while maintaining a public presence. Their story adds to the diversity of experiences shared by public figures living with chronic illnesses.

Solange

Solange Piaget Knowles, a celebrated musician and sister of Beyoncé, is believed to have POTS and Sjogren's syndrome. Her status as a public figure and artist brings valuable awareness to these conditions, highlighting the need for greater understanding and support for those affected.

Brittany Murphy

The late Brittany Anne Murphy-Monjack, known professionally as Brittany Murphy, was reported by some sources to have had symptoms consistent with POTS. Murphy's talent and her untimely death have sparked conversations about the importance of health awareness and the potential impacts of chronic conditions on individuals in the entertainment industry.

Daine

The artist known as Daine has been open about her diagnoses of POTS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), discussing how these conditions affect her life and work. Her willingness to share her experiences contributes to the broader dialogue about living with chronic illnesses and navigating the challenges they present in personal and professional contexts.

Gigi Robinson

Gigi Robinson is a pioneering Sports Illustrated model and vocal health and wellness advocate who has openly shared her journey with POTS. Her advocacy extends beyond POTS, as she also navigates life with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a condition affecting connective tissues in the body, contributing to her POTS symptoms. Robinson's work emphasizes the intersection of chronic illness with professional careers in the demanding world of modeling and entertainment. By leveraging her platform, Gigi raises significant awareness for POTS and related conditions, advocating for understanding, support, and medical research.

Dixie D’Amelio

Dixie Jane D'Amelio, a prominent social media influencer and singer, has faced public health challenges that align with symptoms of POTS. While she has not disclosed a diagnosis of POTS, her health journey is closely followed by the chronic illness community, underscoring the importance of visibility and support for those experiencing similar symptom

Bella Hadid

Isabella Khair Hadid, widely known as Bella Hadid, is an internationally renowned supermodel who has not shied away from discussing her health struggles, including her diagnosis with Lyme disease. Though not explicitly stating a diagnosis of POTS, her openness about the challenges of Lyme disease—which is often associated with POTS as a secondary condition—has brought attention to the complexities of navigating chronic illness within the high-stakes fashion industry. Hadid's candidness about her symptoms and the impact on her career and personal life has made her a source of inspiration and solidarity for those facing similar health issues.

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate is a famous actress, well known for her roles in television shows like "Married... with Children" and "Dead to Me." While she herself does not have POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), Applegate's 13-year-old daughter, Sadie, was diagnosed with the condition in 2024, revealing that she has experienced symptoms like dizziness and fainting. Sadie described the symptoms that first developed in 2020 saying, "every time I stood up, I just felt like my whole world was just about to go crashing down and my vision would get blurry." Sadie's openness about her diagnosis on Applegate's podcast brought attention to the challenges of living with POTS, and she has also expressed how it has helped her empathize with her mother's struggle with multiple sclerosis.

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Famous Athletes with Dysautonomia including POTS

The world of sports is filled with inspirational stories of athletes overcoming challenges to shine in their respective fields. Among these world class athletes, quite a few have dealt with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and other forms of Dysautonomia.

• Katie Ledecky, an Olympic swimmer, has shared her experiences with POTS, which she details in her memoir "Just Add Water: My Swimming Life."
• Sophie Hillyerd is a professional footballer for West Ham United FC. She has been vocal about her struggle with POTS syndrome, detailing its impact on her training and performance. Hillyerd's journey is a testament to her determination and the adaptability required to manage such a condition in professional sports.
• Brittany Bowes, an Olympic speed skater, developed POTS after a concussion sustained during a speed skating accident. Bowes's experience highlights the potential onset of POTS following traumatic injuries and her relentless spirit to continue competing at the highest levels of her sport.
• Aubrey Hutzler, a softball player for Campbell University, has shared her experiences with POTS. Playing a demanding sport like softball while managing POTS showcases her strength and the modifications athletes sometimes must embrace to continue their passion.
• Micah Mason, a basketball player for Duquesne, developed POTS andnearly ended his career. Mason's story is one of overcoming considerable odds, demonstrating that with the right treatment and support system, athletes can continue to pursue their dreams despite POTS.

These athletes not only continue to compete at a high level but also use their platforms to raise awareness about POTS. Their stories are crucial in understanding the diverse ways POTS can affect individuals and the various strategies they employ to manage the condition while maintaining their athletic careers.

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Conclusion

These individuals' openness about their experiences with POTS has played a crucial role in raising awareness, improving understanding, and fostering a supportive community for those affected by this condition. Their stories underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing the challenges posed by POTS and related autonomic disorders.

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Sources:

Halsey

• Vanity Fair on Halsey's Health Scare: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2022/05/halsey-health-scare-diagnosis-after-giving-birth-son-ender-ridley
• USA Today on Halsey's Health Diagnosis: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2022/05/10/halsey-health-diagnosis-ehlers-danlos-mast-cell-activation-syndrome-pots/9722199002/
• People on Halsey's Health Diagnoses: https://people.com/health/halsey-is-celebrating-recent-health-diagnoses-after-being-called-crazy/

Billie Eilish

• Teen Vogue on Billie Eilish's Depression: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/billie-eilish-depression-panic-attacks
• Vogue on Billie Eilish's Climate Activism: https://www.vogue.com/article/billie-eilish-climate-activism-january-cover-2022-video

Bethenny Frankel

• Today on Bethenny Frankel's POTS: https://www.today.com/health/womens-health/bethenny-frankel-dehydration-pots-rcna72093
• People on Bethenny Frankel's Health Journey: https://people.com/health/bethenny-frankel-details-long-covid-and-autoimmune-disorder-journey/

Tori Foles

• The Washington Post on Nick Foles and Tori: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/nick-foles-knows-the-eagles-future-belongs-to-carson-wentz-but-this-sunday-is-all-his/2018/02/01/ef9ed57e-0759-11e8-8777-2a059f168dd2_story.html?fbclid=IwAR19JqNrI6jD-XFgUM6a9m9hQxQl15zgigaPUsD2hBVl-2zp4DeG4-iNxPE

Gigi Robinson

• Allure Interview with Gigi Robinson: https://www.allure.com/story/gigi-robinson-sports-illustrated-interview

Jameela Jamil

• HuffPost Australia on Jameela Jamil: https://www.huffpost.com/archive/au/entry/jameela-jamil-past-illnesses-and-injuries_au_5e52f58dc5b6a4525dbcddaa
• Tweet by Jameela Jamil: https://twitter.com/jameelajamil/status/1411714493894184962?s=20

Daine

• ABC News on Daine's Invisible Disability: https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/daine-invisible-disability-interview-feature/103146848

Brittany Bowe

• Self on Brittany Bowe's Concussion: https://www.self.com/story/brittany-bowe-concussion‍
• Brittany Bowe's Official Website: https://brittanybowe.com/#:~:text=Brittany%20suffered%20a%20concussion%20in,rate%20after%20you%20stand%20up.

Solange

• People on Solange Knowles' Autonomic Disorder Diagnosis: https://people.com/music/solange-knowles-reveals-autonomic-disorder-diagnosis/‍
• Paper Mag on Solange's Disease Dysautonomia: https://www.papermag.com/solange-disease-dysautonomia

Greg Page

• Dysautonomia Information Network on Greg Page: https://www.dynainc.org/about/news/2012/m/wiggler-crusader‍
• NBC News on Why Greg Page Fainted: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/body-odd/why-would-wiggle-faint-actors-story-flna714789‍
• Greg Page on Dysautonomia: https://gregpage.com/dysautonomia

Mara Wilson

• Mara Wilson's Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/marawilson/p/CSAoWvNpf17/‍
• People Magazine on 'Jeopardy!' Apology: https://people.com/health/jeopardy-apologizes-outdated-term-in-health-clue-pots/

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