Most of us are familiar with a slight lightheadedness if we stand up quickly. Thankfully, it is a feeling that subsides within a few seconds and allows you to go on with your day. For some people, however, that feeling is a daily occurrence that can get bad enough to interrupt normal life.
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) affects up to a million people in the United States — with the majority of those between the ages of 15 and 25. Symptoms can be annoying at best and debilitating at worst. The good thing is there are some things you can do at home to help manage symptoms, and there are even more treatment options when working with a doctor who can provide personalized healthcare.
Read on to learn more about POTS and how you can manage your symptoms.
What is POTS?
POTS is a disorder where standing up from a lying position causes a significant heart rate increase, leading to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and fatigue. Its exact cause is unclear but is believed to involve the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate and blood pressure.
What Causes Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome?
Researchers believe that there are a few possible causes of POTS, including:
- Neuropathic POTS: A form of POTS related to nerve damage
- Hyperadrenergic POTS: A sub-type of POTS relating to elevated levels of stress hormones
- Hypovolemic POTS: A form of POTS relating to low blood volume
- Secondary POTS: A sub-type of POTS associated with another condition that is known to cause neuropathy, such as diabetes, Lyme disease, lupus
What are the Symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome?
The most distinctive characteristic of POTS is an increased heart rate when you stand up, but there can be other symptoms too. Some of the common symptoms POTS causes include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Forgetfulness, trouble focusing, or “brain fog”
- Heart palpitations or feeling like your heart is racing
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Feeling nervous or anxious
- Shakiness
- Excessive sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Feeling sick but unable to describe how
- Bloating
- Looking pale
- A purple discoloration of your hands and feet if they’re lower than the level of your heart
- Disrupted sleep
Some things are known to make POTS symptoms worse — these include:
- Quickly changing positions, especially from lying to standing
- Being in warm environments, including warm weather and warm water
- Standing, especially for an extended amount of time
- Exercise
- Having another illness, even a common cold
- For women, having your period
How is POTS Diagnosed?
POTS can be a difficult condition to diagnose because many of its symptoms can mimic other conditions or appear so gradually that they go unnoticed for a while. In some cases, people can experience POTS symptoms for months or years before finally being diagnosed.
To reach a POTS diagnosis, your healthcare provider will:
- Ask about your symptoms
- Go over your medications, including any supplements
- Discuss your medical history
- Do a detailed physical exam
- Perform a tilt table test to see how your heart rate and blood pressure change when you change positions
- Order testing to rule out other possible conditions
How to Manage POTS with Help From the Best Concierge Doctor in Los Angeles
Although there is no known cure for POTS, there are things you can do to help manage your symptoms — like transitioning slowly when you change positions and gentle exercise routines if your doctor approves.
Those with chronic or rare conditions like POTS benefit the most from a patient-centered approach to healthcare and cutting-edge treatment options. Working with a doctor who can provide personalized healthcare is best. Concierge healthcare makes it easier than ever to receive highly personalized medical care, even for rare conditions like POTS.
Dr. William Pittman leads our expert medical team at Concierge Health LA to provide the best concierge healthcare to patients all around the Los Angeles area. Available 24/7 to his patients, Dr. Pittman offers personalized healthcare that prioritizes your well-being and longevity — including primary care and complex care.
Ready to live life to the fullest while keeping your POTS symptoms under control in Los Angeles?
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