"POTS" Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia
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POSTURAL ORTHOSTATIC TACHYCARDIA = “POTS” SYNDROME
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia is a very serious dysautonomia. Dysautonomia means that there is a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. The nervous system is the mass regulator of the body organs. It involves the heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, respiration and other vital functions. A malfunction in an organ can take place. Therefore the patient may experience a plethora of maladies.
A healthy Immune system is important and crucial to one’s well being! It is composed of one’s cells, protein, tissues and organs that help protect against germs and microorganisms. It is what keeps us healthy!
POTS is known as the invisible illness!
POTS can often be a quite debilitating condition. It is a degenerative disease of the peripheral nervous system marked by orthostatic hypotension. The nervous system is an extensive network that regulates homeostasis’ POTS causes one’s heart rate to fluctuate immensely when shifting from a supine sitting position to standing. There is difficulty in the patient maintaining normal homeostasis during positional changes of the body. Their equilibrium can suddenly shift. In some cases the slightest movement can cause an extreme fluctuation in the heart rate along with increased and decreased blood pressure. It can be an emotional roller coaster! Each patient is different some become bed ridden and cannot walk... Prayer is much needed!
Due to the lowering or HIGH blood pressure one can experience cerebral hypo perfusion, lightheadedness, gastronimical problems, exhaustion, stress, extremely low pressure, fatigue, unquenchable thirst and faintness. Dyspnea, tinnitus, headache, muscle weakness, neck pain, intense chest pain and disorientation are symptomatic possibilities as well.
POTS patients look normal and they are usually High Achievers...
POTS is hard to diagnose it is not usually detected in a routine exam or blood test. It can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. There are wide arrays of symptoms that accompany POTS. It can easily be overlooked because routinely a patient’s heart rate is normally taken sitting down. We have learned that the heart rate for the POTS patient changes significantly when standing. It is possible that it can also take several years to recuperate from this! A necessary change in diet that is inclusive of at least 64 ounces of water each day as well as juices is usually recommended.
Standing is something that we normally take for granted! When we stand our blood vessels contract and our heart rate increases! Our systolic blood pressure usually remains the same and our diastolic slightly increases! This is not true with the POTS patient. It takes three times the amount of normal energy just to stand. Their quality of life is usually equated to that of a congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patient! An example would be to visualize as if they are always running in place!
Exercise is recommended but must be closely monitored because it can also tend to exacerbate the symptoms as well. Ankle weights can be used but should not be used all day. The body will be accustomed to the extra weight and make the adjustment and the weights will not remain as effective.
Fludrocortisones & mineral corticoid are often used to treat POTS. They are used to increase sodium levels and increase blood volume and blood pressure. An increase in sodium and water is necessary as well. The patient’s symptoms fluctuate from day to day they vary and are many…
I was quite surprised to discover that in 2007 it was estimated that the number of diagnosed cases were rising and (1) one out of every (100) teens have been determined to have POTS! It is seen in ages anywhere between (15) fifteen to (50) fifty!
Each case is unique and the treatment is tailored to each individual patient. Patients are recommended to eat smaller frequent meals to prevent blood pooling. Patients must stay well hydrated! It is recommended to squat; rather than bend over forward at the waist. Therefore this greatly alters their simple normal body movement from position to position. One has to become aware of the impact of readily shifting positions and move accordingly.
Alcohol consumption should be avoided since it enhances peripheral venous pooling that exacerbates hypotension and can also lead to a dehydration state. Avoiding something as simple as blowing up balloons and extreme heat is necessary not to aggravate the onset of symptoms. Heat dilates blood vessels causing the POTS symptoms to worsen.
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS
These may be possibly helpful?
LIFTING = Lifting items and even holding arms up in the aIr can cause a shift in the spinal fluid pressure so do so mindfully and cautiously.
SLEEP = Sleep disturbances do often occur due to the symptoms. The patient is advised to get plenty of rest! More sleep than average is usually needed. If necssary get up and walk around and allow your blood to circulate throughout your body even if you must return to bed rather than stay in bed for days on end..
WALKING = Upon awaking and getting up, walking around right after getting out of the bed is recommended for the constricting leg muscles and helps to avoid blood pooling. The increased circulation may be helpful in some cases!
WARMTH = A nice neck pillow is recommended! A sock filled with warm rice can be also quite soothing when heated in microwave to alleviate headache pain. This only takes just a few minutes. Test and first and be sure it is not too hot!
COMPRESSION = Dressings of abdominal binders and compression stockings may be used to prevent blood pooling.
ICE = Rubbing ice on the bottom of your feet can also be helpful!
EXERCISE = Aerobics for about twenty minutes three times per week is recommended if tolerable. Swimming when not feeling faintness. ( Remember each patient is different)
ACTIVITIES = Scheduling activities in the afternoon are helpful since symptoms tend to be more pronounced in the morning.
POTS = A nervous system condition. Beta Blockers are often prescribed to tighten up the blood vessels. A change in diet and exercise is recommended to help facilitate healing...
It is recommended that Epineprhine often used by dentist for many reasons should be avoided it stimulates the heart and may compound symptoms!
TRAVELING aboard an airplane one can experience some of the driest air in the world! It can dehydrate a normal person … Due to the dry pressure in an airplane the POTS patient needs to be well hydrated before flying. Requesting a roomier seat is recommended in order to give them room to elevate their legs and avoid the formation of blood clots!
POTS is also known as the “hyper adrenergic syndrome.” It can occur due to many abnormalities to the body! Many are still unknown! It is very complicated to diagnosis POTS and distinguishing between causes and effects are quite complicated! Stress should be avoided whenever possible! Again it is considered the “Invisible Illness!”
~ I had never before heard of POTS! This has been a life lesson and real learning experience … This last month has been a series of multiple trips to ER and to the hospital! To make an extensive story short… One of our adult sons who has been extremely healthy and in great physical shape has been recently diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome? We have been informed his is an extremely unique case. As a result of an earlier football injury from being a quarterback a few years ago he was given a lower spinal epidural a few months ago recommended by his private physician... Several weeks later he was taken to ER with a lingering headache lasting for over a week. He was then diagnosed as being dehydrated and sent home and they omitted giving him an IV... Only to return the very next day unable to walk…was then continuously given and IV and a shot along with some magnesium for his headache and sent home… (He then experienced all the symptoms mentioned and more concerning POTS!) Only to return again and finally be hospitalized... Since this Invisible Illness mimics many symptoms... They finally simply admitted that they did not quite KNOW what to do? So we continued to PRAY! Many intelligent doctors as well as nurses are not aware of POTS this is another reason why it is called an Invisible Illness... They eventually placed him in a cardiac unit where his every movement was monitored 24/7 for days... After many tests by a plethora of specialists it was determined that the combination of prior treatments have resulted in Posterior Orthostatic Tachycardia! My son is now home with his family!
This unexpected diagnosis has further increased his/our FAITH and continued TRUST in the LORD! We have relocated to be close by... We continue to remain prayerful! I realize that doctor’s practice but God heals… I cannot imagine life without the LORD!
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Dear Mr's Deborrah : Hope your son is doing better. So very sorry you have had such heart ache and troubles. God Bless You and wishing you and your wonderful family pleasant Holidays this season.
This is an excellent and interesting hub. Thank you for sharing this great wealth of information about POTS. I will include your son in my daily prayers. Remain blessed always DeBorrah K. Ogans. Best regards.I wish you also and your family a blessed Christmas.
Nice information, DeBorrah. Actually, I never knew about this before. I learn much from you. Thanks for share with us. I also enjoy the video below. Oh...God, why do this happen? But I am glad you came up with solution. I hope your tips useful for us....amen. Thanks my friend. I give my vote to you. Good work, DeBorrah. Have a nice day. I always pray for you, your son and your family. Take care!
Blessing and hugs,
DeBorrah, thank you for the wealth of information about POTS. I can see that your education program on this is part of taking what the enemy intends for evil and turning it to good for those who love the Lord. I pray with you that great, great good will come from this situation and that your son will grow rich in faith and wisdom through his experience.
DeBorrah, our prayers, thoughts and hearts go out to you and your family. May the Lord work out His lasting will in all your lives! Problems can pull people apart or they can bring people closer together. Together, touching and agreeing, all things are possible in the Savior! Keep strong in your faith! He heals! He heals! All things work together for good! Thanks for this wealth of information. You never know whom your words will touch out there. Peace
I appreciate you sharing this personal experience - this makes the difference. I have never heard of this and I suppose so often we are not familiar with a condition until it happens to us or someone close. I'm glad to hear your son in well.
You mention dehydration - I just read that in the morning we should always start with some water because after a night's sleep we are quite dehydrated. Some time ago I started drinking a glass of warm water before I did anything else - and now I cannot function if I don't do this - it is missed.
Now too with heat on in the house for winter I am quite aware of how this - even though it is very little heat - is drying my nasal passages.
How interesting too that you pointed out how blood pressure is taken when we are sitting - always. I think next time I will ask to have it done when I am standing and see what happens.
So much information here - including certain tips that will benefit everyone.
Thanks so much for this hub. It is so appreciated. I will bookmark it and share it. It's so great we have a forum like this to share vital information.
Rated up of course.
DeBorrah,
Thanks for sharing this. To be honest I never knew something like POTS existed. Thanks for making me aware.
Thank you for explaining POTS to us. It is a very unfortunate way that you had to learn about it through your son's misfortune. You are in my thoughts and I wish your son well.
I am sure sorry to hear about this. I had not heard of POTS before. I did say a prayer for your son in Jesus name. Thank you for sharing your story, and this valuable information. God Bless You and Your Family.
Its the first time I've heard of it. Thanks for raising awareness with all the useful tips.
I pray for complete healing for your son. He is God's gift to you and No weapon fashioned against him will Prosper. May God keep you and your family strong, particularly in faith.
"It is Well".
Love
Elena x
I have never heard of POTS either - I always like learning new medical info, esp. when it involves the heart as I have a congenital heart condition. I'm wonering that with the tachycardia involved, would an icd be of any help at all the the patient?
I'm so sorry to hear your son has been diagnosed with this - I will keep in my prayers!
I had never heard of this, DeBorrah. Have you ever heard of Be In Health? It is a ministry that with the help of numerous physicians, they are discovering many spiritual roots to diseases. They have a website.
Thank you for turning this life lesson into our education. We all know that we will be hit by one thing or another until we go home. It makes me wonder what the Lord has in mind for me, whenever. I am not THAT old but I am older than my wife. I wonder what she may have to have faith regarding with me or I her. I am always apprecative of the work that goes into your hubs. I Love you for your efforts DeBbie. May God bless you and your family.
POTS is not a common disorder. I’m glad that I found this hub. You’ve shared important information that made us aware of its possible symptoms and how to prevent it. An annual physical examination is really advisable. I’ll bookmark this for future reference.
It’s also good to know that your son is doing well now and back home with your family. Your faith and prayers to God indeed healed him. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Thank you for presenting the facts in a very easy to understand way and may God continue to heal your son in all dimensions as the doctors treat him.
So sorry that your son was diagnosed with POTS but happy to hear that he is doing better. Like others, I had never heard of it. 1 in 100 teenagers have it? Wow! One occasionally hears of a high school football player dropping dead while practicing. Perhaps an undiagnosed case of POTS? Rating this useful and up and will tweet it so that others can learn about this. Blessings to your entire family, especially your son!
I was just dx with pots syndrome a month ago and I'll tell you right now the people in the ER don't understand it. They send you home when your hear rate is 170 standing up and it can be quite scary. Our ER here tells me well you dont stand all the time. Your exhausted because everything is such an effort. But everyday is different. Its not just that so far that i have noticed as just being dx its digestion. Having days where my stomach really hurts and neausea.
DeBorrah, I appologize for not catching the first time I read this article that your son was sick with Pots. Being newly Dx, I was reading the stuff about pots syndrome. I hope he is feeling better. I know how frustrsting this syndrome is. I Just got turned down by a cardiologist today because my case is too complicated. :( Just being a pots syndrome case. He told me to stop taking midodrine, take toperol and go on with my day. Did he not hear me when I said my bp isnt always high enough to take the toperol. Really this is a very hard syndrome to treat. My pulse can be 170 today and bp wako which is so wierd for me. Thankfuly I have an appt with an electrophysiologist who in a couple weeks although hes a couple hours away. Im sorry Im rambling. Im just very scared. this is very new. I am sorry about your son. May Gods Loving hands bless him with good health!! Thank you for this information, I found useful. I should of brought it to my Drs appt. Kris.
THannk You for getting back to me. Im in a wierd spot right now. After being so frustrated you get frustrated out. Luckily nobody has been questioning I seem to be in "crisis" alot lately. Funny thats exactly what I call it. I just need to find a Doctor in my town that isnt afraid to take care or the one that does is highly not recomended and after having two weeks of care I agree. Yesterday I saw a cardiologist and he said my case was too complicated, he didnt want to take on my case but to discontinue this drug. Continue that drug... Im thinking you dont know me..You know how sometimes in pots its hard to regulate your blood pressure. well I take a drug to increase my blood pressure. Well I stopped taking MY bp med and that all together because my bp dropped to 70/44 and called the putz for my pots and he never called me back so my hr went up passed out at work ended up in er and here we are today. Lookin for a doc And because my bp was high that day which is a very new thing. Thats the new thing when im in "crisis", he thinks its that easy to just discontinue my med to increase my bp. I do rely on God and believe things happen for a reason. I apologise for rambling. Yesterday I hit my breaking point with doctors not taking my symtoms serious and I guess I was frustrated out. To many trips to the ER in the last week combined with that these cardiologists
























Happyboomernurse Level 8 Commenter 17 months ago
Hi DeBorrah K. Ogans,
Thank you for this comprehensive, beautifully illustrated article on POTS. Though I have seen patients with small clusters of the symptoms you described, I had never before heard of POTS. This is obviously a syndrome that more health care workers and physicians need to be instructed in.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your son and your family as you continue to deal with this syndrome. As you so beautifully stated, "Doctors practice but God heals."
Thanks for sharing this touching and useful hub. I'm sure many in the HubPages community will be sending prayers and loving thoughts your way.