What Is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?
What Kind of People Do POTS Affect?
How Does POTS Affect One’s Body?
What Are the Symptoms of POTS?
Doctor Arun Can Treat You Best for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
What Is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)?
Postural-Orthostatic-Tachycardia-Syndrome abbreviated to POTS happens to be an autonomic nervous system disorder that causes an abnormal increase in the heart rate when a person stands from a lying down position.
What Kind of People Do POTS Affect?
Though POTS can affect anyone, both men and women of all ages, but most commonly it is seen to affect teenage girls and young women. Incidence of POTS is seen to be occurring more commonly in women between the ages of 15 and 50.
How Common Is POTS?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a chronic condition that affects a large percentage of people worldwide.
How Does POTS Affect One’s Body?
POTS can be a very serious condition for some, and often limits an individual’s physical activity, as well as their ability to carry out daily activities. This is characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate when standing or sitting up after being in a lying or reclined position. This condition can cause dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and fainting episodes.
What Are the Symptoms of POTS?
The symptoms of POTS can vary from person to person, and can range from mild to severe. The symptoms often worsen when standing and can be relieved by lying down or sitting. These symptoms include the following
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Difficulty focusing
- Difficulty with daily activities
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
- Rapid heart rate when moving from sleep or rest to an upright position
- Low BP
What Are the Causes of POTS?
The underlying causes of POTS are not fully understood, but hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and multiple sclerosis have been linked to the condition. Also, there can be some potential triggers for the problem, the ones that are given underneath:
- Excessive heat
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Standing for extended periods of time
- Anemia
- Deconditioning owing to some illness or some kind of injury
How to Diagnose POTS?
Diagnosis can be difficult as it shares many symptoms with other conditions. The diagnosis requires a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Furthermore, this can also be diagnosed using tilt table tests, which measure changes in heart rate and blood pressure when a patient is stood up from a lying position. The tilt table test measures heart rate and other physiological responses to changes in position. So, POTS can be diagnosed by a doctor who will review a detailed medical history, perform a physical examination, and order a tilt table test, and an orthostatic vital sign evaluation.
How to Treat POTS?
Treatment for POTS depends on the specific symptoms and underlying cause. The treatment is largely focused on reducing symptoms and includes lifestyle modifications, medications, and physical therapy. This may involve lifestyle modifications, such as increasing fluid & salt intake, reducing stress, doing exercise, avoiding overexertion & avoiding standing for long periods of time. Other treatments may include wearing compression stockings. In some cases, physical therapy may be beneficial in helping to improve strength and endurance. In more severe cases, medications such as beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and midodrine may be prescribed to address the symptoms.
Doctor Arun Can Treat You Best for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
In conclusion, POTS is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause debilitating symptoms, such as dizziness, fatigue, and fainting spells. Its underlying causes are not fully understood and it can be difficult to diagnose. Treatment is available and usually involves lifestyle modifications and medications. Overall, POTS can be a serious condition that affects quality of life, but with the right treatment plan, individuals can manage their symptoms and live a full life.
It is important to discuss your condition with a worthy doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you. This can happen at Doctor Arun’s clinic, so do pay a visit here!
