Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS; pronounced /pɒts/), is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system. It is characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs after the person stands up, and which remains elevated for about 10 minutes. The term is derived from the Greek words postura (position), orthostasis (standing upright), tachy (fast), and cardia (heart).
Symptoms
The primary symptom of POTS is a significant increase in heart rate when standing. Other symptoms may include dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue. Some people may also experience headache, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Causes
The exact cause of POTS is unknown. However, it is often associated with other conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and certain types of cancer. It can also occur after a viral illness or injury.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of POTS is typically based on the person's medical history and a physical examination. Additional tests may include a tilt table test, which measures how the heart rate and blood pressure respond to changes in position.
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 help manage symptoms.
See also
References
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.