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POTS -

Postural tachycardia syndrome, also known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), is a form of dysautonomia, which is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system (responsible for regulating heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and body temperature, for instance).

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A common medical condition -

POTS is a common condition triggered by an abnormal increase in your heart rate after sitting up or standing up.

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What are the symptoms? -

The primary symptom of POTS are feeling lightheaded or dizzy, experiencing heart palpitations, and being fatigued.

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Signs to look out for -

With POTS, palpitations are characterized by a rapid increase in heartbeat of more than 30 beats per minute in adults, or at least 40 beats per minute in adolescents.

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Other symptoms -

Other symptoms associated with the disorder include chest pain and shortness of breath.

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Sweating it out -

Shaking and sweating can also be indicative of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.

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Feeling sick -

Those suffering from POTS may also experience blurry vision and nausea.

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Impact on quality of life -

Some people suffer mild symptoms, while others find it can impact their quality of life. And there doesn't appear to be any symptomatic pattern. You may find your symptoms are worse in the morning, and they may change from day to day.

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Uncomfortable periods -

Some women report an increase in episodes of POTS right before their menstrual periods.

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More common in women -

In fact, POTS is more common in women than men and is more likely to develop in adolescents and young adults. But what prompts symptoms in the first place?

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Why does POTS occur? -

Ordinarily when you sit up or stand up, gravity makes some of your blood flow downwards in your body. This can cause your blood pressure to drop.

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How the body responds -

In response, the body narrows the blood vessels and slightly increases the heart rate to prevent a fall in blood pressure. This maintains blood supply to the heart and the brain.

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Compensating for an imbalance -

With POTS, however, these automatic changes don't happen. Instead, when you shift to an upright position the supply of blood to your heart and brain drops. To compensate for the imbalance, the heart pumps faster to try and increase blood flow. But why don't these automatic changes take place?

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Autonomic nervous system -

A problem in the autonomic nervous system is to blame. The autonomic nervous system is a network of nerves throughout your body that control unconscious processes, important functions such as heart rate and breathing.

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Other involuntary body functions -

The autonomic nervous system also regulates other involuntary body functions, including blood pressure, digestion, and sexual arousal.

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The cause is unclear -

While physicians have identified how POTS occurs, the exact cause of the condition is unknown. But there are some clues.

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When can POTS manifest itself? -

The disorder is known to manifest itself after a pregnancy, major surgery, trauma (especially to the head), or a viral illness. Some symptoms of anxiety and panic overlap with POTS symptoms.

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Ehler-Danlos syndrome -

Some people with Ehler-Danlos syndrome type III, a rare genetic connective tissue disorder, may also be diagnosed with POTS.

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How is POTS diagnosed? -

In the first instance, a physician may check your blood pressure and heart rate before and after you stand up. If the condition is suspected, they'll refer you to a specialist.

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Specialist tests -

A patient suspected of having POTS will undergo a series of specialist examinations. These can include blood and urine tests, heart pressure tests such as an echocardiogram and electrocardiogram, and 24-hour blood pressure and heart rate monitoring.

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There is no cure for POTS -

There is no cure for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. If you're diagnosed with the condition, finding the right treatment for you can take a while. The good news is that it can often improve over time.

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How to lessen symptoms -

Symptoms can be lessened by adopting certain lifestyle measures. Drinking plenty of fluids (mineral water has been recommended) is helpful, as is sitting or standing up slowly when you've been lying down. Increased salt intake has also shown beneficial results.

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Don't stand for it -

Avoid standing up for too long. If your job requires standing on your feet for prolonged periods, consider wearing support tights to improve blood flow.

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A change of position -

Raise the head of your bed or use an elevated pillow so you're not fully horizontal at night.

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Drink less alcohol -

Avoid drinking lots of alcohol. You should also lower your intake of caffeine.

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Gentle exercise -

There is some evidence an exercise program can gradually improve symptoms of POTS. Gentle activity and light exercise such as walking, jogging, Pilates, and swimming is recommended, but not to the point of feeling hot or becoming dehydrated.

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Medication may help -

If you are still having symptoms despite making lifestyle adjustments and following an exercise regime, your doctor may suggest trying medication.

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Vestibular symptoms -

While a life-changing disorder, POTS is not life-threatening. However, one of the biggest risks for people with the condition is falls due to fainting and the resulting injuries, such as concussions. In fact, vestibular symptoms, including vertigo, are common in POTS patients.

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Seek support -

You can keep up-to-date with POTS by browsing one of the specialist websites that highlight the condition. Many offer help and support and can put you in touch with others living with this health condition that affects millions.

Sources: (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) (Johns Hopkins Medicine) (British Heart Foundation) (NHS) (Dysautonomia International) (Neurology Journals) (Frontiers) (Healthline)

See also: The most intriguing neurological conditions ever recorded

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