POTS Syndrome
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia
Syndrome: Symptoms, Treatments,
Diagnosis, & More
By Janet Weaver MD
What is POTS Syndrome?
POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia
Syndrome
This is scientific talk for increased heart rate upon
standing.
Patients suffering from POTS experience dizziness or fainting
upon standing or getting up from a seated position.
The cause is due to patients blood vessels not being
constricted enough, which prevents enough blood flow from
getting to the brain upon standing.
As a result, the heart starts to beat faster in order to
compensate, usually about 30 BPM faster than the average
person in peopling suffering from postural orthostatic
tachycardia.
Demographics of Patients with
POTS
POTS commonly affects females.
POTS patients tend to be younger and often show
signs after the onset of puberty.
The cause of POTS has a big impact on the demographic
and psychographic profile of the individual affected with
POTS.
Diagnosis of POTS
Syndrome
The disease isnt difficult to diagnose, but many
physicians arent aware of the symptoms so its
often misdiagnosed.
Misdiagnosis is usually anxiety or depression and
patient is referred to psychiatrist
Common POTS Diagnostic Tests
Tilt Table Test
Blood tests
Heart Rate Upon Standing
Most Common Symptoms of
POTS Syndrome
Fatigue
Dizziness upon Standing
Head rushes
Headaches (Sometimes migraines)
Cold Sweats
Passing Out After Standing
Stomach Pains or Cramps
Brain Fog or Cognitive Confusion
Dark Red or Purple Legs
Common Treatments of POTS Syndrome
Medications
Beta Blockers Prevent restriction of
blood vessels
Benzodiazepines Help w/ anxiety,
insomnia, and restlessness
Diets low in gluten and high in sodium
Exercise and avoiding staying in bed all
day long
Staying Hydrated
Common Challenges Faced by
Patients with POTS
Starting an exercise regimen tends to be
more difficult.
Social anxiety from fear of fainting in
social setting
Attending work & school is hard due to
stronger symptoms in the morning.
Frustration due to others
misunderstanding the disease.
Causes of POTS Syndrome
Exposure To Chemicals
Hypermethylation
Diabetes
Lesions
Nitric Oxide Deficit
Thyroid Disease
Liver Disease
Anemia
Tumors
Anemia
Lupus
Angiotensin II
Autoimmune Disorders
Cardiac Atrophy
Mitochondrial Disease
Electrical Cardiac Abnormalities
Chiari Malformation
Nutritional Deficiencies
Neuropathy
Tummy Tuck Surgery
Sicca Syndrome
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Injury By Electrical Voltage
Multiple Sclerosis
Addison'S Disease,
Parasites
Adrenal Disorders
Viruses
What POTS Syndrome Patients Should
Avoid
Extreme Heat
Donating Blood
Getting Dehydrated
Lifting Objects Over 10 Pounds
Coffee
Extra Large Meals
Foods High In Gluten
Alcohol
Standing Up Quickly
Holding Arms In Air For Extended Period Of Time
Energy Drinks
Anesthesia Without Supervision Of Physician
Stressful Work Environments
Climbing Large Flights Of Stairs
References
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