Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

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Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system. The term is derived from the Greek words postura (position), orthostasis (standing upright), tachy (fast), and cardia (heart).

Pronunciation

The pronunciation of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is /pɒˈstjʊərəl ɔːrθəˈstætɪk təˈkɑːrdɪə sɪnˈdroʊm/.

Definition

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition characterized by a rapid increase in heart rate that occurs after the person stands up, and that is not due to low blood volume or other causes of tachycardia.

Symptoms

Symptoms of POTS can include lightheadedness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, chronic fatigue, and migraines.

Causes

The exact cause of POTS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a number of factors including genetics, autoimmune diseases, and infections.

Treatment

Treatment for POTS typically involves lifestyle changes such as increasing fluid and salt intake, wearing compression stockings, and doing regular physical exercise. Medications may also be used to manage symptoms.

See Also

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