POTS: What is it?
POTS, also known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a condition affecting the autonomic nervous system with the main symptom being an increase in heart rate when going from sitting to standing. The orthostatic part refers to orthostatic intolerance which is a condition where upon standing, not enough blood returns to the heart as it should, causing the biggest symptoms, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, and even fainting. In someone without POTS, upon standing, blood will settle into the legs, abdomen, and arms then your muscles will help pump the blood so it can make its way back to the heart. In someone with POTS when they stand up, a higher amount of blood settles in the lower part of their body, making the body work harder to release hormones to get the blood back to the heart but while doing this, many symptoms arise.
What are the possible symptoms?
dizziness and lightheadedness, more often felt upon standing
fainting
increased heart rate and heart palpitations
extreme fatigue
shortness of breath and chest pain
headache
brain fog
nausea
anxiety
What causes POTS?
There is not a clear known cause of POTS but it has been reported that cases usually arise after a pregnancy, a viral illness, or a trauma. It is also often accompanied by a genetic disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. POTS is fairly common and tends to more often affect women around adolescence and young adult age. There are also several instances where symptoms can be made worse or fully brought on. Hot environments, standing for long periods of time, not consuming a correct amount of salt and fluid, not getting enough sleep, and contracting a cold or other illness are all factors that increase symptoms.
How is POTS treated?
While POTS is not life threatening it can greatly alter ones life but there are reliable diagnostic tools available and many treatment options. The main treatment options are:
Exercise, specifically lower impact exercise that focuses on strengthening core and leg muscles. Physical therapists can help find the right program for each individual.
Alter diet by increasing fluid intake and adding in a high amount of salt to your diet (This helps your blood reach your heart easier).
Certain medications can be helpful but this varies per person. Common ones are beta blockers, SSRIs, midodrine, and fludrocortisone.
Are POTS and COVID linked?
While research is still being conducted on this idea and conclusions are not fully clear yet, a link between COVID and POTS has been found. Individuals are more likely to develop POTS after developing COVID, according to recent research. The leading possibility is the idea that when an individual is infected with COVID, there are specific antibodies produced that fight against the autonomic nervous system. It is still not fully clear but it is rather certain that the percentage of individuals infected with COVID are much more likely to develop POTS. This is something important that should continue to be researched and paid attention to.
When it comes to POTS, it is very important to not give up, this diagnosis can be debilitating and it can be even worse not having the diagnosis. There are many amazing physicians and programs out there that are there to help individuals struggling with these symptoms. This condition does not have to take over your life, there is a chance individuals can get back to feeling 100%, or at least get their symptoms to a manageable place. Don't give up hope and always advocate for yourself if you are someone struggling with these symptoms.
Sources:
https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2022/09/pots-mysterious-syndrome-causes-racing-heart-and-other-symptoms Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board