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Postural Trachycardia, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), is associated with an abnormal increase in the heart rate due to a change in the position of the body. More precisely, a person affected by POTS witnesses a rapid and high increase in his/her heart rate, when he/she moves to an upright position from a supine (the horizontal, resting position, with the face and torso facing upwards) one. The orthostatic/upright tachycardia (increase in heart rate) may also be accompanied with certain other conditions. These include lightheadedness, palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness in the lower legs, and nausea, among others. The heartbeat increases beyond 120 beats/minute, when the affected person stands, within 5 to 10 minutes. POTS is most commonly found in women aged between 15 to 50 years, but can be found in men as well. The disease symptoms affect women, mostly before the menstrual period.
The causes of POTS are patho-physiological in nature, and relate to some kind abnormality or health condition. These include diabetes, hypermobility syndrome, lupus, hypovolemia (low blood pressure), partial autonomic neuropathy, high norepinephrine levels (a hormone), and abnormalities associated with the nerves found in the lower limbs, among others. Genetics also plays some role. Medications and exercises can heal the disease quite effectively. Contact your physician if you witness any of the symptoms associated with POTS. As the disease makes life miserable (some people also fail to exercise), its treatment should be carried out ASAP. There are also some other ways to reduce the symptoms. You can reduce the POTS symptoms by bringing some changes to your lifestyle, and by adopting others.
Here Are Ways To Deal With POTS Syndrome Symptoms
1. Higher Salt Intake
You can marginally increase your daily salt intake, in order to treat the low blood pressure. Greater sodium levels, inside the body will lead to high blood volume flow. If you have been diagnosed with the disease POTS, consume 2 to 4 grams of salt every day. The salt intake can also be increased further, so talk to your doctor to know what amounts of salt you should consume daily. Remember that people with heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure should never consume high amounts of salt, as it can lead to disastrous consequences on health. Talk to your doctor to know more about it.[1]
2. Increase Intake Of Fluids
The blood pressure drop leads to increase of heart rate, as the body tries to compensate the lower blood flow rate inside it, in a person affected by POTS. This medical condition can be effectively controlled by drinking water, when you notice the symptoms. Water intake helps in secretion of the hormone norepinephrine. The hormone acts as a neurotransmitter, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, and maintains a normal blood pressure. Intake of other kinds of fluids, including soups, helps in improving the orthostatic resistance.[2]
3. Cut Down On The Meal Portions
Your digestive system requires lesser blood flow, when you consume lesser amounts of food. Also, cut down on the amount of carbohydrates you consume. Both these measures will help you reduce the severity of the orthostatic tachycardia symptoms, as the blood will not pool in the lower part of the body. You can compensate for the lesser food consumed by eating more, albeit smaller, portions throughout the day.[3]
4. Avoid Caffeinated Drinks
Intake of caffeine leads to diuresis, and hypovolemia. Hence, you should avoid all caffeinated beverages, including black tea and coffee (which are high in caffeine). If affected by POTS, drink fruits juices, or green tea instead.[4]
5. While Sleeping Keep Head Elevated
Just like in the case of GERD, sleeping with the head elevated is also beneficial for those affected by POTS. The elevation reconditions the body, so that it can cope with the orthostatic stress better. You can use few bricks for elevating the “head” side of the bed. As you need to sleep in a position so that the whole upper limb (area of the body lying above the hip) remains elevated while sleeping, use of pillows is not helpful.[5]
6. Avoid Stress
Stress can worsen the symptoms associated with POTS. You can do certain yoga exercises related to deep breathing, meditation, and others, so as to avoid stress.[6]
7. Avoid Standing For Long Time Periods
Do not stand for long time periods, as it can worsen the symptoms. If required, flex the leg muscles. Squeeze and relax the gluteus maximus, legs, and feet, and shift the body weight from one leg to another. This would regulate the heart rate better. Also, do not stand directly from a supine position. Break the process, so that you first sit, before standing.[7]
8. Exercise
Exercises, including jogging, swimming, strength training for lower limbs, and others build the calf muscles, and help you fight the POTS symptoms better. Avoid them, if there are any adverse health impacts or symptoms.[8]
