Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) can cause patients to experience dizziness, lightheadedness, and a rapid heartbeat when standing up.
Do you feel lightheaded or dizzy accompanied by an increased heart rate when you suddenly stand up? Does this feeling go away when you sit down or rest? These could be symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
This condition indicates an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs when a person sits up or stands. Common symptoms include dizziness and fainting.
Some individuals experience mild symptoms, while many find that this condition affects their daily lives. POTS often improves gradually over time with medication and supportive healthcare measures.
Dizziness and rapid heartbeat when standing up suddenly are common symptoms of POTS. (Image: Indiatimes).
Causes of POTS
According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, normally, when you sit up or stand, gravity pulls blood down to the abdomen, hands, and feet. Subsequently, blood vessels constrict quickly, and the heart rate increases slightly to maintain blood flow to the heart and brain while preventing low blood pressure.
All of this happens automatically and is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s automatic functions.
In a person with POTS, the autonomic nervous system does not function normally. The ability to supply blood to the heart and brain decreases when the patient stands upright, and the heart has to “race” to compensate for this.
In any position, heart rate and blood pressure work together to keep the body functioning normally. However, in the case of POTS, heart rate and blood pressure do not coordinate smoothly, causing fluctuations that affect the patient when they stand upright or engage in physical activity.
Many studies have also found that in women with POTS, symptoms are more pronounced and worse during their menstrual cycle.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports: “For individuals with POTS, dizziness or fainting is also accompanied by a heart rate increase of more than 30 beats per minute or a heart rate exceeding 120 beats per minute within 10 minutes of standing up.
This issue is concerning only when a person stands up suddenly; it goes away when the person rests or sits down.
Who is at Risk?
According to India Times, a common symptom of POTS is feeling dizzy when standing up. Additionally, patients may experience accompanying symptoms such as fatigue, trembling, brain fog or difficulty concentrating, palpitations, and even occasional fainting.
Individuals with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome may also be prone to unusual signs such as headaches, bloating, constipation, insomnia, and shortness of breath. Due to shortness of breath and fatigue, these individuals may struggle with high-intensity physical activities such as exercise.
The NHS states that POTS primarily affects females, commonly seen in girls and women aged 15-50.
“Anyone at any age can develop POTS, but the majority of those affected (75-80%) are women aged 15 to 50. Some women report an increase in POTS episodes just before their menstrual period. This condition often begins after pregnancy, major surgery, trauma, or viral illness,” according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
This condition can also arise after a person has a severe illness. Experts indicate that individuals with certain autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease and Sjögren’s syndrome are more susceptible to POTS.
POTS is most common in women aged 15 to 50. (Image: Tonline).
How to Alleviate POTS Symptoms
According to Healthline, each person with POTS has a unique condition. Some patients may find that symptoms appear and disappear over several years.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment or medication for all patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Many patients may take time to find the right medication and lifestyle changes that best support their treatment.
In most cases, with adjustments in diet, medication, and physical activity, patients can improve their quality of life. POTS symptoms may also gradually decrease if the underlying cause is identified and treated promptly.
Dietary changes are part of the treatment for POTS. By increasing fluid intake and adding more sodium to the diet, patients can increase blood volume in the body and reduce the severity of symptoms. However, excessive salt consumption is not healthy, so patients should consult with a specialist about the necessary sodium intake.
Small and frequent meals can help patients absorb nutrients better and alleviate symptoms. Additionally, a diet rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates can help reduce spikes in blood sugar levels.
