POTS 101: Everything You Need to Know About Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Have you ever stood up too quickly and suddenly felt lightheaded, dizzy or even passed out? For most people, this is a temporary inconvenience. For people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), this is a daily reality. POTS is an often misunderstood and misdiagnosed condition that affects over 1 million people in the United States, mostly women between the ages of 15 and 50. But what is POTS and how does it affect daily life? In this blog post, we'll give you an overview of POTS and answer some commonly asked questions about this condition.
I unfortunately started my journey with POTS after a Covid infection in 2022. Around a month after I was infected, I started dealing with increasing dizziness every time I stood up. This was an incredible scary and confusing time for me as I had no clue what was happening to me. I spent months seeing doctors and getting testing done until I finally received my POTS diagnosis in October of 2022. I started treatment, which for me includes medication, diet and exercise) and I plan on using this blog to share information and hopefully reduce the time it takes for other people to gather the helpful information I’ve spent the last year and a half collecting.
What is POTS?
POTS is a type of dysautonomia, a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls things like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Specifically, POTS is a form of orthostatic intolerance, which means that the body has difficulty regulating blood flow and pressure when changing positions, such as standing up from a sitting or lying position. This can result in a rapid increase in heart rate (tachycardia) and other symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, nausea, and fatigue.
What are the symptoms of POTS?
Symptoms of POTS can vary from person to person, but some common ones include:
Rapid heart rate (usually over 100 beats per minute)
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fainting
Nausea or vomiting
Headaches
Fatigue
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or palpitations
What causes POTS?
The exact cause of POTS is not known, but it is believed to be related to dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system. Some people with POTS may have a genetic predisposition to the condition, while others may develop it after a viral illness, surgery, or other traumatic event. POTS is also commonly associated with other conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and Lyme Disease.
How is POTS diagnosed?
Diagnosing POTS can be challenging, as there is no definitive test for the condition. A diagnosis is typically made based on symptoms, a physical exam, and a tilt table test, which measures changes in heart rate and blood pressure with changes in position. Blood tests may also be done to rule out other conditions, such as anemia or thyroid dysfunction. It is important to see a physician who is experienced in treating autonomic disorders to ensure proper diagnosis.
How is POTS treated?
Treatment for POTS varies depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Lifestyle changes like increased water and salt intake, exercise, and compression stockings may be recommended as first-line treatment. Medications like beta blockers, fludrocortisone, and midodrine may also be used to help control symptoms. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be necessary to help regulate blood volume.
POTS is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on daily life. While there is no cure for POTS, there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of POTS, it is important to seek medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. With education and awareness, we can work towards better understanding and support for those living with POTS.
Have burning questions I didn’t get to? Drop them in the comments!
