POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)

POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) affects 1-3 million people in the United States. If you struggle with dizziness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or other POTS symptoms, see the experts at Delaware NeuroRehab in Newark, Dover, or Lewes, Delaware. Haresh Sampathkumar, MD, and the skilled interdisciplinary team diagnose and treat POTS to eliminate bothersome symptoms. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking an evaluation online today. 

What is POTS (post-orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)?

POTS is a condition that causes various symptoms as you transition from sitting or lying down to standing up. These symptoms can become crippling when not treated. 

The Delaware NeuroRehab experts find the cause of your symptoms and offer highly effective solutions to relieve any discomfort. 

There’s no cure, but lifestyle changes and medical interventions can help you effectively manage POTS symptoms.

Which symptoms can POTS cause?

POTS can cause the following symptoms, particularly when you stand up from a sitting or lying-down position:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Heart palpitations
• Excessive sweating
• Shakiness
• Fatigue
• Fast heart rate
• Fainting
• Brain fog
• Nervousness
• Anxiousness 
• Bloating
• Headaches
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling sick
• Discoloration of your feet and hands
• Pale face
• Disrupted sleep

Your symptoms may worsen if you’re in a warm environment, stand frequently, or exercise strenuously. Being sick with an infection or cold, as well as menstruation in women, can also increase the severity of POTS symptoms. 

What are the risk factors for POTS?

POTS risk factors include:

• Being female
• Viral illnesses
• Infections
• Head injuries
• Other forms of physical trauma
• Being pregnant
• Surgery
• Autoimmune conditions (lupus, celiac disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, etc.)

Women ages 15-50 are particularly at risk of developing POTS, although it appears in men, too. POTS might be an autoimmune disease, and research is ongoing.

While not life-threatening, POTS can interfere with your activities of daily living and the ability to work or drive.

How is POTS diagnosed?

The Delaware NeuroRehab team diagnoses POTS by discussing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and completing a physical exam. 

They often complete a tilt table test that measures your blood pressure and heart rate when you change positions. You might also undergo blood testing, a skin nerve biopsy, a breathing test, tests that measure nerves that control sweating, or a videonystagmography (VNG).

How is POTS treated?

Your individualized POTS treatment plan may consist of one or more of the following:

• Diet changes
• Aerobic and strength-training exercises
• Sleep hygiene changes
• Medications
• Yoga
• Medical compression stockings
• Blood pressure and pulse monitoring
• Avoiding prolonged standing 
• Transitioning from lying down to standing more slowly
• Giving up alcohol
• Neurorehabilitation 

Schedule a POTS evaluation at Delaware NeuroRehab by calling the office or booking a visit online today.