What is POTS?

POTS stands for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. It’s a situation that causes your coronary heart price to extend an excessive amount of while you rise up from sitting or mendacity down. This will result in quite a few signs, together with lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, and fatigue.

POTS is a comparatively frequent situation, affecting as much as 1 in 100 individuals. It’s most typical in younger adults, particularly girls. Nonetheless, it will probably have an effect on individuals of all ages and genders.

Within the subsequent part, we are going to take a better take a look at the causes, signs, and remedy choices for POTS.

What’s POTS

POTS stands for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. It’s a situation that causes an irregular improve in coronary heart price when standing up from sitting or mendacity down.

Speedy coronary heart price
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Fainting
Fatigue
Blurred imaginative and prescient
Nausea
Complications
Chest ache

POTS may be brought on by quite a lot of elements, together with dehydration, sure drugs, and underlying medical situations. Therapy for POTS sometimes includes way of life adjustments, reminiscent of growing fluid consumption and avoiding triggers, in addition to drugs.

Speedy coronary heart price

One of many fundamental signs of POTS is a fast coronary heart price, also called tachycardia. Which means that your coronary heart price will increase by 30 beats per minute or extra while you rise up from sitting or mendacity down.

Regular coronary heart price:

A standard resting coronary heart price is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. While you rise up, your coronary heart price might improve by 10 to twenty beats per minute.
POTS coronary heart price:

In individuals with POTS, the center price will increase by greater than 30 beats per minute when standing up, and it could attain 120 beats per minute or greater.
Signs of fast coronary heart price:

A fast coronary heart price may cause quite a few signs, together with lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, chest ache, and shortness of breath.
Causes of fast coronary heart price in POTS:

The precise reason behind the fast coronary heart price in POTS will not be totally understood, however it’s regarded as associated to an issue with the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily capabilities reminiscent of coronary heart price and blood strain.

Should you expertise a fast coronary heart price when standing up, it is very important see a health care provider to rule out POTS and different underlying medical situations.

Lightheadedness

Lightheadedness is one other frequent symptom of POTS. It’s typically described as a sense of dizziness, faintness, or being about to go out. Lightheadedness in POTS is brought on by a drop in blood strain when standing up.

What causes lightheadedness in POTS?

While you rise up, gravity pulls blood all the way down to your legs. This will trigger a drop in blood strain, which might result in lightheadedness. In individuals with POTS, the drop in blood strain is extra extreme, which is why they’re extra prone to expertise lightheadedness when standing up.
Signs of lightheadedness:

Lightheadedness may cause quite a few signs, together with dizziness, fainting, blurred imaginative and prescient, nausea, and sweating. It will possibly additionally make it tough to pay attention or carry out duties that require consideration.
How one can stop lightheadedness in POTS:

There are a selection of issues you are able to do to stop lightheadedness in POTS, together with:
- Consuming loads of fluids
- Consuming a nutritious diet
- Avoiding triggers that will trigger your signs to worsen
- Sporting compression stockings
- Performing workout routines that assist to strengthen your leg muscle tissue
When to see a health care provider:

Should you expertise lightheadedness, it is very important see a health care provider to rule out POTS and different underlying medical situations.

Lightheadedness is a typical symptom of POTS, however it may be managed with way of life adjustments and medicine.

Dizziness

Dizziness is one other frequent symptom of POTS. It’s typically described as a sense of spinning or lightheadedness. Dizziness in POTS can also be brought on by a drop in blood strain when standing up.

What causes dizziness in POTS?

While you rise up, gravity pulls blood all the way down to your legs. This will trigger a drop in blood strain, which might result in dizziness. In individuals with POTS, the drop in blood strain is extra extreme, which is why they’re extra prone to expertise dizziness when standing up.
Signs of dizziness:

Dizziness may cause quite a few signs, together with lightheadedness, fainting, blurred imaginative and prescient, nausea, and sweating. It will possibly additionally make it tough to pay attention or carry out duties that require consideration.
How one can stop dizziness in POTS:

There are a selection of issues you are able to do to stop dizziness in POTS, together with:
- Consuming loads of fluids
- Consuming a nutritious diet
- Avoiding triggers that will trigger your signs to worsen
- Sporting compression stockings
- Performing workout routines that assist to strengthen your leg muscle tissue
When to see a health care provider:

Should you expertise dizziness, it is very important see a health care provider to rule out POTS and different underlying medical situations.

Dizziness is a typical symptom of POTS, however it may be managed with way of life adjustments and medicine.

**Be aware:** Dizziness and lightheadedness are sometimes used interchangeably, however there’s a refined distinction between the 2. Dizziness is a sensation of spinning or motion, whereas lightheadedness is a sense of faintness or being about to go out.

Fainting

Fainting, also called syncope, is a short lived lack of consciousness brought on by a drop in blood strain. It’s a frequent symptom of POTS, particularly in individuals who expertise extreme orthostatic intolerance.

What causes fainting in POTS?

While you rise up, gravity pulls blood all the way down to your legs. This will trigger a drop in blood strain, which might result in fainting. In individuals with POTS, the drop in blood strain is extra extreme, which is why they’re extra prone to faint when standing up. Moreover, individuals with POTS might have a decreased capacity to extend their coronary heart price and blood strain in response to standing, which might additionally contribute to fainting.

Signs of fainting:

Fainting may cause quite a few signs, together with:

Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Blurred imaginative and prescient
Nausea
Sweating
Speedy coronary heart price
Shortness of breath
Confusion
Lack of consciousness

How one can stop fainting in POTS:

There are a selection of issues you are able to do to stop fainting in POTS, together with:

Consuming loads of fluids
Consuming a nutritious diet
Avoiding triggers that will trigger your signs to worsen
Sporting compression stockings
Performing workout routines that assist to strengthen your leg muscle tissue
Taking treatment to extend your blood strain

When to see a health care provider:

Should you expertise fainting, it is very important see a health care provider to rule out POTS and different underlying medical situations.

Fainting is a severe symptom of POTS, however it may be managed with way of life adjustments and medicine.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a typical symptom of POTS. It will possibly vary from delicate to extreme, and it will probably make it tough to carry out on a regular basis actions.

What causes fatigue in POTS?

The precise reason behind fatigue in POTS will not be totally understood, however it’s regarded as associated to quite a few elements, together with:

Lowered blood move to the mind: While you rise up, gravity pulls blood all the way down to your legs. This will trigger a lower in blood move to the mind, which might result in fatigue.
Elevated coronary heart price: Individuals with POTS typically have a fast coronary heart price, which might additionally contribute to fatigue.
Dehydration: Individuals with POTS are in danger for dehydration, which might additionally result in fatigue.
Poor sleep: Many individuals with POTS have problem sleeping, which might additionally contribute to fatigue.

Signs of fatigue:

Fatigue may cause quite a few signs, together with:

Excessive tiredness
Lack of vitality
Issue concentrating
Irritability
Muscle weak spot
Complications
Nausea
Dizziness
Lightheadedness

How one can handle fatigue in POTS:

There are a selection of issues you are able to do to handle fatigue in POTS, together with:

Pacing your actions: You will need to keep away from overexerting your self. Take heed to your physique and take breaks while you want them.
Consuming loads of fluids: Staying hydrated is important for individuals with POTS. Goal to drink eight glasses of water per day.
Consuming a nutritious diet: Consuming a nutritious diet may also help to enhance your total well being and well-being, which might additionally assist to cut back fatigue.
Getting common train: Train may also help to enhance your circulation and strengthen your muscle tissue, which might additionally assist to cut back fatigue.
Getting sufficient sleep: Getting sufficient sleep is important for total well being and well-being. Goal for 7-8 hours of sleep per evening.
Managing stress: Stress can worsen fatigue. Discover wholesome methods to handle stress, reminiscent of train, yoga, or meditation.

Fatigue is a typical and debilitating symptom of POTS, however it may be managed with way of life adjustments and medicine.

Blurred imaginative and prescient

Blurred imaginative and prescient is a typical symptom of POTS. It will possibly vary from delicate to extreme, and it will probably make it tough to carry out on a regular basis actions reminiscent of studying, driving, and dealing on a pc.

What causes blurred imaginative and prescient in POTS?

The precise reason behind blurred imaginative and prescient in POTS will not be totally understood, however it’s regarded as associated to quite a few elements, together with:

Lowered blood move to the mind: While you rise up, gravity pulls blood all the way down to your legs. This will trigger a lower in blood move to the mind, which might result in blurred imaginative and prescient.
Elevated coronary heart price: Individuals with POTS typically have a fast coronary heart price, which might additionally contribute to blurred imaginative and prescient.
Dehydration: Individuals with POTS are in danger for dehydration, which might additionally result in blurred imaginative and prescient.
Poor sleep: Many individuals with POTS have problem sleeping, which might additionally contribute to blurred imaginative and prescient.

Signs of blurred imaginative and prescient:

Blurred imaginative and prescient may cause quite a few signs, together with:

Issue seeing objects clearly
Double imaginative and prescient
Halos round lights
Eye ache
Complications
Nausea
Dizziness
Lightheadedness

How one can handle blurred imaginative and prescient in POTS:

There are a selection of issues you are able to do to handle blurred imaginative and prescient in POTS, together with:

Pacing your actions: You will need to keep away from overexerting your self. Take heed to your physique and take breaks while you want them.
Consuming loads of fluids: Staying hydrated is important for individuals with POTS. Goal to drink eight glasses of water per day.
Consuming a nutritious diet: Consuming a nutritious diet may also help to enhance your total well being and well-being, which might additionally assist to cut back blurred imaginative and prescient.
Getting common train: Train may also help to enhance your circulation and strengthen your muscle tissue, which might additionally assist to cut back blurred imaginative and prescient.
Getting sufficient sleep: Getting sufficient sleep is important for total well being and well-being. Goal for 7-8 hours of sleep per evening.
Managing stress: Stress can worsen blurred imaginative and prescient. Discover wholesome methods to handle stress, reminiscent of train, yoga, or meditation.

Blurred imaginative and prescient is a typical and debilitating symptom of POTS, however it may be managed with way of life adjustments and medicine.

Nausea

Nausea is a typical symptom of POTS. It will possibly vary from delicate to extreme, and it will probably make it tough to eat and drink. Nausea can even result in vomiting, which might additional worsen dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

What causes nausea in POTS?

The precise reason behind nausea in POTS will not be totally understood, however it’s regarded as associated to quite a few elements, together with:

Lowered blood move to the mind: While you rise up, gravity pulls blood all the way down to your legs. This will trigger a lower in blood move to the mind, which might result in nausea.
Elevated coronary heart price: Individuals with POTS typically have a fast coronary heart price, which might additionally contribute to nausea.
Dehydration: Individuals with POTS are in danger for dehydration, which might additionally result in nausea.
Poor sleep: Many individuals with POTS have problem sleeping, which might additionally contribute to nausea.

Signs of nausea:

Nausea may cause quite a few signs, together with:

Feeling sick to your abdomen
Vomiting
Lack of urge for food
Stomach ache
Complications
Dizziness
Lightheadedness

How one can handle nausea in POTS:

There are a selection of issues you are able to do to handle nausea in POTS, together with:

Pacing your actions: You will need to keep away from overexerting your self. Take heed to your physique and take breaks while you want them.
Consuming loads of fluids: Staying hydrated is important for individuals with POTS. Goal to drink eight glasses of water per day.
Consuming a nutritious diet: Consuming a nutritious diet may also help to enhance your total well being and well-being, which might additionally assist to cut back nausea.
Getting common train: Train may also help to enhance your circulation and strengthen your muscle tissue, which might additionally assist to cut back nausea.
Getting sufficient sleep: Getting sufficient sleep is important for total well being and well-being. Goal for 7-8 hours of sleep per evening.
Managing stress: Stress can worsen nausea. Discover wholesome methods to handle stress, reminiscent of train, yoga, or meditation.
Taking treatment: In case your nausea is extreme, your physician might prescribe treatment to assist management it.

Nausea is a typical and debilitating symptom of POTS, however it may be managed with way of life adjustments and medicine.

Complications

Complications are a typical symptom of POTS. They will vary from delicate to extreme, they usually could make it tough to pay attention and carry out on a regular basis actions.

What causes complications in POTS?

The precise reason behind complications in POTS will not be totally understood, however it’s regarded as associated to quite a few elements, together with:
- Lowered blood move to the mind: While you rise up, gravity pulls blood all the way down to your legs. This will trigger a lower in blood move to the mind, which might result in complications.
- Elevated coronary heart price: Individuals with POTS typically have a fast coronary heart price, which might additionally contribute to complications.
- Dehydration: Individuals with POTS are in danger for dehydration, which might additionally result in complications.
- Poor sleep: Many individuals with POTS have problem sleeping, which might additionally contribute to complications.
Signs of complications in POTS:

Complications in POTS may cause quite a few signs, together with:
- Ache within the head, neck, or temples
- Throbbing or pounding sensation
- Sensitivity to mild and sound
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
How one can handle complications in POTS:

There are a selection of issues you are able to do to handle complications in POTS, together with:
- Pacing your actions: You will need to keep away from overexerting your self. Take heed to your physique and take breaks while you want them.
- Consuming loads of fluids: Staying hydrated is important for individuals with POTS. Goal to drink eight glasses of water per day.
- Consuming a nutritious diet: Consuming a nutritious diet may also help to enhance your total well being and well-being, which might additionally assist to cut back complications.
- Getting common train: Train may also help to enhance your circulation and strengthen your muscle tissue, which might additionally assist to cut back complications.
- Getting sufficient sleep: Getting sufficient sleep is important for total well being and well-being. Goal for 7-8 hours of sleep per evening.
- Managing stress: Stress can worsen complications. Discover wholesome methods to handle stress, reminiscent of train, yoga, or meditation.
- Taking treatment: In case your complications are extreme, your physician might prescribe treatment to assist management them.
When to see a health care provider:

Should you expertise complications which might be extreme or that intrude along with your each day actions, it is very important see a health care provider to rule out different underlying medical situations.

Complications are a typical and debilitating symptom of POTS, however they are often managed with way of life adjustments and medicine.

Chest ache

Chest ache is a typical symptom of POTS. It will possibly vary from delicate to extreme, and it may be horrifying. Nonetheless, chest ache in POTS is normally not an indication of a coronary heart assault or different severe medical situation.

What causes chest ache in POTS?

The precise reason behind chest ache in POTS will not be totally understood, however it’s regarded as associated to quite a few elements, together with:

Speedy coronary heart price: Individuals with POTS typically have a fast coronary heart price, which might put pressure on the center and trigger chest ache.
Lowered blood move to the center: While you rise up, gravity pulls blood all the way down to your legs. This will trigger a lower in blood move to the center, which might additionally result in chest ache.
Dehydration: Individuals with POTS are in danger for dehydration, which might additionally result in chest ache.
Nervousness: Many individuals with POTS expertise nervousness, which might additionally contribute to chest ache.

Signs of chest ache in POTS:

Chest ache in POTS may cause quite a few signs, together with:

Ache within the chest
Tightness or strain within the chest
Shortness of breath
Palpitations
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Lightheadedness

How one can handle chest ache in POTS:

There are a selection of issues you are able to do to handle chest ache in POTS, together with:

Pacing your actions: You will need to keep away from overexerting your self. Take heed to your physique and take breaks while you want them.
Consuming loads of fluids: Staying hydrated is important for individuals with POTS. Goal to drink eight glasses of water per day.
Consuming a nutritious diet: Consuming a nutritious diet may also help to enhance your total well being and well-being, which might additionally assist to cut back chest ache.
Getting common train: Train may also help to enhance your circulation and strengthen your muscle tissue, which might additionally assist to cut back chest ache.
Getting sufficient sleep: Getting sufficient sleep is important for total well being and well-being. Goal for 7-8 hours of sleep per evening.
Managing stress: Stress can worsen chest ache. Discover wholesome methods to handle stress, reminiscent of train, yoga, or meditation.
Taking treatment: In case your chest ache is extreme, your physician might prescribe treatment to assist management it.

Chest ache is a typical and horrifying symptom of POTS, however it’s normally not an indication of a severe medical situation. There are a selection of issues you are able to do to handle chest ache in POTS, together with way of life adjustments and medicine.

FAQ

Listed here are some continuously requested questions on POTS:

Query 1: What’s POTS?
Reply: POTS stands for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. It’s a situation that causes your coronary heart price to extend an excessive amount of while you rise up from sitting or mendacity down. This will result in quite a few signs, together with lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, and fatigue.

Query 2: What causes POTS?
Reply: The precise reason behind POTS will not be totally understood, however it’s regarded as associated to an issue with the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily capabilities reminiscent of coronary heart price and blood strain.

Query 3: Who’s in danger for POTS?
Reply: POTS is most typical in younger adults, particularly girls. Nonetheless, it will probably have an effect on individuals of all ages and genders.

Query 4: What are the signs of POTS?
Reply: The most typical signs of POTS are lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. Different signs can embrace fast coronary heart price, blurred imaginative and prescient, nausea, complications, and chest ache.

Query 5: How is POTS identified?
Reply: POTS is identified with a tilt desk check. Throughout this check, you’ll lie on a desk that’s tilted as much as a standing place. Your coronary heart price and blood strain might be monitored throughout the check.

Query 6: How is POTS handled?
Reply: There is no such thing as a remedy for POTS, however there are remedies that may assist to handle the signs. Therapies for POTS might embrace way of life adjustments, reminiscent of growing fluid consumption and avoiding triggers, in addition to drugs.

Query 7: What’s the prognosis for POTS?
Reply: The prognosis for POTS is mostly good. Most individuals with POTS are in a position to handle their signs and reside full and energetic lives.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

Along with the knowledge on this FAQ, there are a variety of sources obtainable on-line and from assist teams that may present extra details about POTS.

Suggestions

Listed here are a couple of ideas for managing POTS:

Tip 1: Keep hydrated. Consuming loads of fluids is important for individuals with POTS. Goal to drink eight glasses of water per day, or extra in case you are exercising or sweating.

Tip 2: Eat a nutritious diet. Consuming a nutritious diet may also help to enhance your total well being and well-being, which might additionally assist to cut back your POTS signs. Deal with consuming loads of fruits, greens, and entire grains.

Tip 3: Get common train. Train may also help to enhance your circulation and strengthen your muscle tissue, which might additionally assist to cut back your POTS signs. Nonetheless, it is very important keep away from overexerting your self. Begin slowly and progressively improve the depth and period of your exercises.

Tip 4: Handle stress. Stress can worsen POTS signs. Discover wholesome methods to handle stress, reminiscent of train, yoga, or meditation.

Closing Paragraph for Suggestions:

Following the following tips may also help you to handle your POTS signs and enhance your high quality of life. Nonetheless, it is very important work along with your physician to develop a remedy plan that’s best for you.

If in case you have been identified with POTS, it is very important study as a lot as you possibly can in regards to the situation and handle it. There are a selection of sources obtainable on-line and from assist teams that may offer you extra data and assist.

Conclusion

POTS is a situation that may trigger quite a few disagreeable and debilitating signs, however it is very important keep in mind that it’s not a life-threatening situation. With correct prognosis and remedy, most individuals with POTS are in a position to handle their signs and reside full and energetic lives.

Abstract of Primary Factors:

POTS is a situation that causes your coronary heart price to extend an excessive amount of while you rise up from sitting or mendacity down.
POTS is most typical in younger adults, particularly girls.
The precise reason behind POTS will not be totally understood, however it’s regarded as associated to an issue with the autonomic nervous system.
Signs of POTS can embrace lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, fast coronary heart price, blurred imaginative and prescient, nausea, complications, and chest ache.
POTS is identified with a tilt desk check.
There is no such thing as a remedy for POTS, however there are remedies that may assist to handle the signs.
Therapies for POTS might embrace way of life adjustments, reminiscent of growing fluid consumption and avoiding triggers, in addition to drugs.

Closing Message:

Should you suppose you might have POTS, it is very important see a health care provider to get a prognosis and begin remedy. Early prognosis and remedy may also help to enhance your signs and stop problems. With correct administration, most individuals with POTS are in a position to reside full and energetic lives.