PoTS - What Is It? (Symptoms)

Hi Everyone!

So I thought, as I’m being investigated for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) it would be good for me to outline the condition to have a reference point for other posts.

PoTS is one of a number of conditions covered by the umbrella term ‘dysautonomia’. Dysautonomia occurs when there is an abnormality in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Bet you weren’t expecting a literacy lesson! The ANS is responsible for all the bodily functions that occur without the need for thought, such as your breathing & the beat of your heart.

Normally when a person stands up, their heart rate & blood pressure increase to counteract the forces of gravity. For those with PoTS, this mechanism fails. This can cause a number of symptoms, including:

Dizziness

Fainting

Fatigue

Palpitations

Shortness of breath

Excessive or reduced sweating

Digestive problems

Migraine

Poor sleep

This is by no means a comprehensive list and is intended as a guideline and basis for my future blog posts. If you suspect that you may suffer from PoTS, please consult your GP.

Tania Xx

Useful rescources –

PoTS UK. www.potsuk.org. © PoTS UK, 04/01/15

Healthline: Autonomic Dysfunction, Christine Case-Lo. www.healthline.com/health/autonomic-dysfunction#Overview1. © 2005 - 2014 Healthline Networks, Inc. 04/01/15