POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a form of dysautonomia, is slowly being recognized as an actual disease, which is a vast improvement since, for many years, the majority of physicians encountering this group of symptoms would attribute them to other causes including hypochondriasis (it’s all in your head, etc). In POTS syndrome patients, however, it has been found in recent research that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is truly not working properly (not all in your head) and this means that the body functions that it controls (heart rate, pulse, temperature, digestion, breathing, etc.) also begin to work improperly. And naturally this leads to a group of symptoms that can go from uncomfortable to life-threatening. What can be even more problematic is the common misdiagnosis of these symptoms that leads to ineffective or at least inaccurate treatment plans while not actually addressing the real issue (a dysfunctioning autonomic nervous system).
POTS syndrome can stay hidden for many years until it is triggered by something, such as a virus, a growth spurt, or another medical condition that involves the heart, digestion, respiration or any of the systems managed by the autonomic nervous system. When POTS does express itself, it usually produces a range of symptoms that can include fainting or lightheadedness, chest pain, dizziness, headache, visual disturbances, insomnia, anxiety, shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, joint pain, back pain, neck pain, general fatigue and similar. When heart rate increases by more than 30 bpm when changing positions (such as going from sitting or lying down to standing) can indicate that POTS might be present. This is known as orthostatic intolerance, or your body isn’t tolerating you changing positions very well. A POTS syndrome doctor will be able to help you accurately determine if this symptom, for example, is related to POTS or something else that might be going on that isn’t POTS related.
The important thing in all of this, as with any suspected ailment, is to get proper diagnosis--and in this case, by someone that at least acknowledges the existence of POTS and how to test accurately. Even better, if you’re having any of the above symptoms or something similar, do yourself a favor and see a POTS syndrome doctor first. One of the best pots clinics nationwide is Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC in Birmingham, AL. Dr. Paula Moore and Dr. Susan Phillips are widely known as highly effective specialists in the areas of POTS, dysautonomia and related autonomic disorders. Call and make an appointment today—you’ll be glad you did.
Dysautonomia-MVP Center, LLC
Accurate Diagnosis & Treatment for Better Results
2470 Rocky Ridge Road Vestavia Hills, Alabama 35243
http://www.mvpctr.com
(205) 286-3200
