Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (patient information): Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 75: Line 75:
There is no cure for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. However, it can be responsive to certain medications and life style modifications.  
There is no cure for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. However, it can be responsive to certain medications and life style modifications.  


Medications:
'''Medications:'''
*Fludrocortisone: helps to increase sodium (salt) levels in the body which increases blood volume and improves blood pressure
*Fludrocortisone: helps to increase sodium (salt) levels in the body which increases blood volume and improves blood pressure
*Beta blockers: slow the heart beat  
*Beta blockers: slow the heart beat  
Line 82: Line 82:
*Stimulants: help to constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure
*Stimulants: help to constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure
*Anxiolytics: helps to regulate levels of adrenaline
*Anxiolytics: helps to regulate levels of adrenaline
'''Life style modifications:'''
*Diet


==Where to find medical care for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome?==
==Where to find medical care for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome?==

Revision as of 18:25, 25 July 2012

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Videos on Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

FDA on Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

CDC on Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in the news

Blogs on Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Directions to Hospitals Treating Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Risk calculators and risk factors for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant-Editor-In-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty

Overview

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a condition in which when a person transitions from a supine (lying down) position to standing upright there is an insufficient amount of blood that returns back to the heart due to poor circulation. This lack of blood traveling back to the heart causes an immediate decrease in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate which could lead to lightheadedness, fainting, and extreme fatigue.

What are the symptoms of Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome?

Symptoms of Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome can include:

  • Increase in heart rate from supine to upright position of more than 30bpm or to a heart rate of 120 bpm within 10 minutes of standing
  • Decrease in blood pressure which can lead to:
    • Lightheadedness
    • Syncope (fainting)
    • Exercise intolerance
    • Fatigue
  • Poor blood flow to the organs and upper parts of the body which can lead to:
    • Cold hands
    • Chest pain
    • Muscle weakness
    • Shortness of breath
    • Headache
    • Vision problems
    • Brain fog
    • Depression
    • Anomia (word finding problems)
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Difficulty sleeping
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms
    • Stomach pain
    • Constipation
    • Diarrhea
    • Bloating
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
  • Inappropriate levels of hormones
    • Chills
    • Fear
    • Sweating
    • Feeling nervous

What are the causes of Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome?

The cause of Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome remains unknown. However, most people develop POTS in their teenage years and see a gradual improvement in their mid-twenties. Others develop Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome after:

  • Viral infections
  • Bacterial infections
  • Mononucleosis
  • Pneumonia
  • Trauma or injury
  • After or during pregnancy

Who is at highest risk?

Women ages 15-20 years old.

Diagnosis

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is often difficult to diagnose and is commonly misdiagnosed as an anxiety or psychogenic disorder.

Tests used to diagnose POTs can include:

  • A tilt table test

Tests are also needed to rule out other diseases including:

    • Addison's disease
    • Pheochromocytoma
    • Electrolyte imbalance
    • Lyme disease
    • Celiac disease
    • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
    • Food allergies

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call or make an appointment with you doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of POTS

Treatment options

There is no cure for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. However, it can be responsive to certain medications and life style modifications.

Medications:

  • Fludrocortisone: helps to increase sodium (salt) levels in the body which increases blood volume and improves blood pressure
  • Beta blockers: slow the heart beat
  • Midodrine: causes constriction of the blood vessels which helps to increase blood pressure
  • Antidepressants: regulate the autonomic nervous system and help to increase blood pressure
  • Stimulants: help to constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure
  • Anxiolytics: helps to regulate levels of adrenaline

Life style modifications:

  • Diet

Where to find medical care for Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Prevention of Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Sources

Template:WH Template:WS