What is PoTS?

*Disclosure- this post is just an overview to raise awareness for Postural Tachycardia Syndrome and should not be taken as medical advice*

 What is PoTS?

Postural tachycardia syndrome is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates different functions within the whole body such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, stress response and many more. Usually, people with PoTS have an increase heart rate upon standing to 120+ bpm, or an increase by at least 30 bpm of which is within 10 minutes of standing.

Symptoms

  • Dizziness 
  • Fainting/Blackouts
  • Palpitations
  • Debilitating fatigue
  • Brain fog- Cognitive difficulties
  • Tremors
  • Headaches 
  • Gastro problems
  • Vision problems
To name a few..


 Diagnoses.

This can come in many forms, such as the tilt table test  where your heart rate and blood pressure are measured while lying down, and the bed is then tilted into a more upright position while further measurements are take.
The active stand test where your heart rate and blood pressure are measured after lying down, immediately upon standing, and after 2, 5 and 10 minutes intervals.
Other testing can include, blood tests, ECG tests and a scan of the heart to ensure there is nothing else causing the symptoms.

Treatment.
There is currently no cure or proper treatment for PoTS, however certain medication such as beta blockers can help in some people. The only advice that is available is to reduce symptoms, and episodes.

There following tips can be found on NHS Direct: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/postural-tachycardia-syndrome/#treatments-for-pots
  • drink plenty of fluids until your urine is pale yellow
  • keep active, but pace yourself and choose your exercise wisely – swimming, rowing, lower limb resistance training, walking, jogging and pilates can help you keep fit and build muscle (strong calf muscles should help pump blood back to your heart)
  • elevate the head end of your bed, so you're not sleeping fully horizontal
  • try wearing support tights or other forms of compression clothing, to improve blood flow in your legs 
  • avoid long periods of standing
  • come up from lying slowly – sit for a while before standing
  • avoid drinking lots of caffeine or alcohol
  • include more salt in your diet – this isn't advisable if you have high blood pressure or kidney or heart disease though, so ask your specialist first
 The severity of the condition can vary between people, from mildly annoying, to completing debilitating leaving people bed bound and reliant on a wheelchair.




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