With the proper treatment, people with POTS can attend school or work while undergoing treatment for the condition. However, the symptoms of POTS may flare up without any prior warning. For this reason, it is important to pay close attention to dietary changes, fluid intake, compression, exercise, and behavioral changes. Additionally, taking certain medicines can cause flares. In addition, people with POTS should be aware of the emotional and physical toll that POTS can have. For this reason, it is important to seek the support of family and medical professionals.
Hypovolemic POTS
Hypovolemic POTS is a type of POTS in which the blood volume is abnormally low. This is caused by a breakdown in the blood circulation system. The heart responds by beating rapidly, but blood volume does not increase the way it should. Hypovolemic POTS results in decreased blood pressure and decreased blood flow to the brain.
In order to treat this condition, healthcare providers may recommend increased salt and fluid intake. It is also important to avoid large meals, as this can exacerbate the symptoms of POTS by redirecting blood to digestion. Patients with POTS may also want to work with a dietitian or nutritionist to ensure that they are eating a nutritious diet.
Medications commonly used to treat POTS include b-blockers, erythropoietin, and fludrocortisones. However, it is important to avoid the use of norepinephrine transport inhibitors, which may inhibit the heart’s ability to pump blood.
Neuropathic POTS
The onset of POTS can occur in patients suffering from hyperadrenocorticism or a neuropathic condition. Both conditions are characterized by impaired peripheral autonomic nerve fibers, leading to symptoms such as limb discoloration and pain upon standing. Patients with hyperadrenocorticism may also have elevated levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine, as well as increased anxiety. The hypovolemic POTS type, in contrast, is characterized by decreased blood levels and is thought to occasionally be related to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
In patients suffering from POTS, blood pressure increases when standing. This is because of the failure of the sympathetic nerve system to contract the vessels. As a result, blood pools below the heart. Those with this condition also experience dizziness and an increased heart rate. Patients with hyperadrenergic POTS experience increased heart rate and blood pressure during standing. The increase in heart rate and blood pressure is caused by the release of the hormone nor-epinephrine, which is released during a fight-or-flight response.
A recent survey of 700 POTS patients suggested that 69% of patients were misdiagnosed as suffering from anxiety disorders. It was also noted that POTS affects both men and women, though the literature indicates that POTS is more common in premenopausal Caucasian women. Because of the increasing numbers of cases, efforts have been made to better understand this disorder.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to strengthen your muscles and reduce tension in your body. If you have POTS, you may have trouble doing exercises that involve standing up, but the good news is that you can learn to do them. Just remember to take it easy at first and listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, stop and try something else.
In addition to a self-paced exercise program, Exercise With POTS includes educational videos. The five-day program is designed to help people with POTS improve their strength and stamina. The program includes videos of all strength exercises and explains the goals of each exercise. The program also includes goal sheets and weekly log sheets.