18 Nov Do You Have Undiagnosed POTS?
Have you ever felt dizzy or faint upon standing, experienced a rapid heartbeat, or struggled with unusual tiredness? These can all be signs of something called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS for short. It’s a condition that affects many people – up to three million in the U.S. alone. But many people don’t know they have it. Here, we’ll talk about what POTS is, how to spot it, and what you can do about it.
What Is POTS?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome affects how the autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate and blood pressure. This system keeps your blood flowing well, no matter how you move. But with this condition, your body has trouble doing this. It can’t keep your blood pressure steady, leading to various symptoms.
Why Does It Happen?
It’s still a bit of a mystery why POTS happens. Doctors think it could be for a few reasons, like nerves not working right in the legs, the body’s stress system being too active, or insufficient blood. Some think it might even be an autoimmune problem, where the body attacks itself by mistake.
Who Is at Risk?
POTS is more common in women and young adults. It affects an estimated one to three million Americans, making it relatively common. Due to its commonality, the syndrome often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. It is often seen after significant health changes like illnesses, pregnancy, injuries, or surgeries. People with autoimmune diseases like lupus or celiac disease also have a higher risk.
Symptoms of POTS
Experiencing POTS can be challenging because it comes with a range of symptoms that affect everyday life. These symptoms often surface when changing positions, like standing up from sitting or lying down. Here’s what the condition might feel like:
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- Dizziness or Fainting: Commonly occurs when standing up.
- Fatigue: A persistent feeling of being very tired.
- Brain Fog: Difficulty with concentration and thinking.
- Headaches: Often alongside other symptoms.
- Blurred Vision: Vision may not be as clear as usual.
- Heart Palpitations: The heart may race or beat too fast.
- Tremors: Shaky or unsteady movements.
- Nausea: Feeling sick to the stomach.
Is It Treatable?
There’s no cure for POTS, but you can do a lot to feel better. Exercise, eating right, and sometimes medicine can help. Things like swimming, rowing, or biking lying down are good. Eating smaller meals more often and adding salt and water to your diet can also help. Doctors might give medicines that help your body hold onto salt or keep your heart rate steady if needed.
What Happens if You Don’t Treat POTS?
Medical professionals generally don’t consider this condition to be fatal. However, it can affect the quality of life if left untreated. There are some complications associated with POTS, mainly if the condition is not managed effectively:
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- Falls: The most common complication is related to falls that happen from fainting. Falls can cause head trauma, limb fractures, cuts, bruises, and blood loss.
- Depression: If symptoms are enough to disrupt daily life, some people may experience depression. Up to 25% of those with POTS experience symptoms severe enough to limit everyday activities.
- Anxiety: It is also associated with anxiety, which can be triggered by experiencing things like rapid heartbeat or faintness.
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It is important to seek treatment to minimize these risks and improve the overall quality of life. With the proper care, up to 90% of people with POTS say they feel better and can do more.
In Summary
POTS can make you feel not so great, but with help from doctors and changes in how you live, you can still do a lot. Remember, every person is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to find what helps you feel your best.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. “Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)“
- John Hopkins Medicine. “Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)“
- PainScale. “Progression and Possible Complications of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)“