What is POTS?

POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.  It is an illness that a few million Americans have, along with millions more people around the world.  It is a condition that deals with blood circulation.  POTS was named in 1993, although the illness has been around since long before that time period.  Most people notice the symptoms of POTS when they move from a sitting position to a standing position.  Symptoms vary from person to person, although there are many similarities among patients.

Originally, POTS was thought to be caused by high anxiety in patients; however, researchers now believe that POTS is caused by a failure in the patient’s autonomic nervous system.  A noticeable increase in heart rate, especially upon standing, is one of the main symptoms.  Other symptoms include, but are not limited to; lightheadedness, fatigue, nausea, bodily shaking, headaches, intolerance to exercise, shortness of breath, and fainting.

Some people who have POTS will only experience slight symptoms that are very manageable, but others will experience such life-altering symptoms which changes their daily routines permanently.  It is estimated that approximately 25% of patients who have been diagnosed with POTS are considered disabled and are unable to work or perform many regular daily tasks.

Although there is no known cure for POTS currently, there are several treatments that may help relieve symptoms.  Some of these treatments include; increasing daily fluid intake, eating a healthy diet, avoiding substance abuse, increasing salt intake, wearing compression socks, and perhaps even taking some prescribed medications that aid in relieving symptoms.  In addition, some patients are diagnosed with an underlying illness that exacerbates the POTS symptoms; therefore, treating the underlying illness is also extremely important.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a serious illness that effects people who are diagnosed with it in varying different ways.  Since each person is unique in their symptoms, then each person’s treatment must also be unique.  A combination of doctor’s recommendations and personal preference will most likely guide the patient’s path to better health.