P.O.T.S known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is an autonomic disorder that causes Orthostatic Intolerance. Orthostatic Intolerance is the change in heart rate (tachycardia) from standing to sitting/lying down position. In a non-P.O.T.S patient, the heart rate will increase about 2 beats per minute, while those with P.O.T.S will have an average increase of 30 bpm. It also takes blood flow away from the heart and brain and supplies it to the lower extremities.
The Symptoms of P.O.T.S can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include dizziness upon standing, lightheadedness, blackouts, headaches, and fainting. It can even cause some people to be almost permanently bedridden. Those suffering from P.O.T.S often have extreme or chronic fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, and very low energy throughout the day.
There is no one known cause for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Many believe it can be caused by viral or bacterial infections such as mononucleosis, after a traumatic event and is also found in those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is also found in teens during rapid growth periods.
There is also no known cure. Most doctors or specialists prefer to treat patients according to their symptoms rather than the Disorder itself because the symptoms and severity range so drastically. The most common treatments are any kind of medicine to increase blood pressure, a change of diet to include higher amounts of sodium, and light exercise. The main goal is to provide upper extremities with more blood flow rather than losing blood flow to the lower extremities.
There are two main ways to diagnose P.O.T.S. The first is a tilt table test. A doctor can also take laying down blood pressure and heart rate reading and compare it to a standing heart rate and blood pressure reading. By comparing the two doctors can determine the diagnoses
by seeing how high the increase is from the laying down position to a standing up position.
P.O.T.S is mostly seen in teens, more so females of the menstruating age, after growth spurts or bacteria or viral infections. Usually, the symptoms seem to almost or fully go away within early adulthood.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome can be severely debilitating and can force patients out of school and work.
If you believe you or someone you know is suffering from P.O.T.S contact your medical doctor or visit Dysautonomia International for more information.
