Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is (POTS)

Resources used for this topic are as follows: 

:MedicineNet.com

postural_orthostatic_tachycardia_syndrome.pdf

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1540-8167.2008.01407.x/full

DINET Brochure/www.dinet.org/  POTS PDF-

REFERENCE: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). "NINDS Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Information Page." National Institutes of Health (NIH). 4 Oct. 2011. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/postural_tachycardia_syndrome/postural_tachycardia_syndrome

Authors Note: I am Not a medical professional of any kind, and highly recommend you visit your trusted physician for a proper diagnosis. 

Overview In This article you will find general information on what Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is (POTS) whom and what effects the body, treatment/specialists ECT. This post will also include an interview with a friend of mine whom also has POTS.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is (POTS) is a condition that occurs when the heart can not get enough blood to return it when a person goes from lying down to standing. The reducing blood flow to call the heart to increase is called tachycardia. Anyone can get POTS, at any age. People with POTS have a quality of life similar to people with congestive heart failure.  POTS is a life-long and a chronic condition. 

 About 70-80% of people with POTS are woman between the ages of 15-50 years of age. 

The woman may develop symptoms of POTS after pregnancy, and or may worsen during menstrual cycles. 

 However, symptoms of POTS typically occur after a major operation, trauma, and viral illness.

Symptoms of POTS may include Fainting dizziness, light headless, (which can occur when the person stands up from laying down.) Other symptoms may include, fast heart rate, ( A heart rate of 30 heartbeats, or a heart rate that exceeds 120 beats per minute within ten minutes of getting up as well as nausea, anxiety, and blurred vision. Exercise may also play a factor in symptoms.

The feeling of fainting or lightheadedness can be relieved by lying down again. 

 What causes POTS are uncertain. There could be a number of things in play. For example, Some patients have peripheral denervation (neuropathic POTS); some have symptoms that are due to sustained or paroxysmal overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system (hyperadrenergic POTS), and some individuals have PTOS dominated by features of deconditioning. You can read more in detail what that means at this link -> http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1540-8167.2008.01407.x/full    

Treating POTS-Treatment involves relieving low blood volume or regulating any circulatory problems. There is not one single treatment that has been found to be effective for all patients.

Sometimes, changes, like adding extra salt to the diet and maintaining adequate fluid intake, are often effective for symptom relief.Taking medications can also help with POTS. IE Blood pressure:  Beta blocker, steroid,  as well as compression stockings, and seeing the following specialists: Cardiologist, Neurologist, and  Primary care provider.}  

Drinking 16 ounces of water (2 glassfuls) before getting up can also help raise blood pressure. 

Therapies for POTS are targeted at relieving low blood volume or regulating circulatory problems that could be causing the disorder. No single treatment has been found to be effective for all. POTS may follow a relapsing-remitting course, in which symptoms come and go, for years. In most cases (approximately 80 percent), an individual with POTS improves and becomes functional, although some residual symptoms are common. 

What research is being done?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other Institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH are) conducting research related to POTS in their laboratories at the NIH and support additional research through grants to major research institutions across the country. Much of this research focuses on finding better ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure disorders such as POTS.

The following interview was done by a good friend of mine, Jeffier Thayer. Who lives, and manages on a daily basis with P.O.T.S. 

How and when did you first get diagnosed with POTS? I first started having symptoms in college. Mainly waking up, having to go to the bathroom and would feel light-headed. I'd wake up past out on the floor. I was falsely diagnosed with panic disorder, anxiety, severe depression. I also was diagnosed with IBS. This all started in my 20's and it wasn't until 2 years ago that I actually heard POTS or dysautonomia. What advice would you give someone who has been recently diagnosed with POTS? Don't think you are crazy or that you are alone! There are many undiagnosed sufferers out there! Be true to your body, trust your instincts. Lots of water and exercise helps! Electrolytes are key! Also, rest when you can't function well! It's okay to take that time. What is the most Challenging thing about having POTS? The uncertainty of what causes a POTSY attack, as I call it. Some days it just hits me out of the blue when I get up. It's scary and draining and effects my family. What routine do you find is the most helpful when you’re having a bad day dealing with POTS? Water-salt-decent sleep-baths- and a nice walk when I feel up to it. What do you feel is the most misunderstood thing that people get “wrong” about having POTS? It's one of those invisible illnesses. You feel guilty that you can't do your regular routine. You feel people think you are dramatic or faking it. What would you like the medical community/ general public to know about POTS? Be aware that is not always a mental issue! Listen to the symptoms and know it's more than just anxiety! What is The most important thing you have learned about yourself since being diagnosed? That I'm a voice! That I can spread the word and help gain awareness and understanding! What is the most shocking thing you have learned about POTS? That it goes so underdiagnosed and treated in our world! What helpful resource or thing have you found that helps you deal with your POTS on a daily basis? My Facebook community of fellow POTS sufferers. It sure helps to know you're not alone! How would you describe POTS, to someone who has never heard of it before? A dizzy, nauseous feeling when rising from a reclined position. Also with movement like in a car or airplane. The feeling is accompanied by heart palpitations and a chest tightening, tingling in my extremities and, in my case, digestive distress that leads to fainting. Sounds lovely, doesn't it?!