POTS SyndromeBy Janet Weaver MDPostural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: Symptoms, Treatments, Diagnosis, & MoreWhat is POTS Syndrome? POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia SyndromeThis is scientific talk for increased heart rate upon standing.Patients suffering from POTS experience dizziness or fainting upon standing or getting up from a seated position.The cause is due to patients blood vessels not being constricted enough, which prevents enough blood flow from getting to the brain upon standing.As a result, the heart starts to beat faster in order to compensate, usually about 30 BPM faster than the average person in peopling suffering from postural orthostatic tachycardia.There are two forms of POTS Hypo and Andro

Demographics of Patients with POTSPOTS commonly affects females.POTS patients tend to be younger and often show signs after the onset of puberty.The cause of POTS has a big impact on the demographic and psychographic profile of the individual affected with POTS.

Diagnosis of POTS SyndromeThe disease isnt difficult to diagnose, but many physicians arent aware of the symptoms so its often misdiagnosed.Misdiagnosis is usually anxiety or depression and patient is referred to psychiatristCommon POTS Diagnostic TestsTilt Table TestBlood testsHeart Rate Upon Standing

Most Common Symptoms of POTS SyndromeFatigueDizziness upon StandingHead rushesHeadaches (Sometimes migraines)Cold SweatsPassing Out After StandingStomach Pains or CrampsBrain Fog or Cognitive ConfusionDark Red or Purple LegsCommon Treatments of POTS SyndromeMedicationsBeta Blockers Prevent restriction of blood vesselsBenzodiazepines Help w/ anxiety, insomnia, and restlessnessDiets low in gluten and high in sodiumExercise and avoiding staying in bed all day longStaying HydratedCommon Challenges Faced by Patients with POTSStarting an exercise regimen tends to be more difficult.Social anxiety from fear of fainting in social settingAttending work & school is hard due to stronger symptoms in the morning.Frustration due to others misunderstanding the disease.

Causes of POTS SyndromeExposure To ChemicalsHypermethylation DiabetesLesions Nitric Oxide Deficit Thyroid DiseaseLiver Disease Anemia TumorsAnemiaLupusAngiotensin II Autoimmune DisordersCardiac Atrophy Mitochondrial Disease Electrical Cardiac Abnormalities Chiari MalformationNutritional Deficiencies Neuropathy Tummy Tuck SurgerySicca SyndromeGastric Bypass Surgery Injury By Electrical VoltageMultiple SclerosisAddison'S Disease,Parasites Adrenal DisordersVirusesWhat POTS Syndrome Patients Should AvoidExtreme Heat Donating Blood Getting DehydratedLifting Objects Over 10 PoundsCoffee Extra Large MealsFoods High In GlutenAlcoholStanding Up QuicklyHolding Arms In Air For Extended Period Of TimeEnergy DrinksAnesthesia Without Supervision Of Physician Stressful Work EnvironmentsClimbing Large Flights Of StairsReferenceshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25706664http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25546918http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25882168http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25829642http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25816441http://myheart.net/pots-syndrome/http://www.physio-pedia.com/Postural_Tachycardia_Syndrome_%28POTS%29