Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTs) is a form of dysautonomia, meaning there is dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is the part of the central nervous system that controls all of the functions of the body that we do not have to think about (e.g. breathing, digestion, etc.).
There are many causes of POTs, none of which are genetic in origin. Certain genetic snips and suppression of detoxification pathways can make someone more susceptible to developing the symptoms of POTs, but there are always underlying causes. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a syndrome - that is the key word. A syndrome is a cluster of symptoms grouped together to form a diagnosis, but the cause is unknown. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is unique in the fact, like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, that there are many different causes. The challenge is determining those causes.
Symptoms of POTs:
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is multifactorial in nature and can present with other symptoms than those included in the syndrome of POTs. This can depend on the underlying issues the body is trying to process. The following list are possible symptoms of POTs:
- Dizziness upon standing due to rapidly decreasing blood pressure and increased heart rate
- Blacking out or passing out upon standing
- Low blood pressure
- Elevated resting heart rate
- Chest palpitations
- Chest pain
- Blood pooling in extremities
- Pale complexion
- Raynaud’s Syndrome
- Temperature intolerance
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic fatigue / exercise intolerance (inability to exercise)
- Headaches / migraines
- Brain fog
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Ringing in ears
- Excessive day or night sweating
POTs Diagnosis:
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is diagnosed through a tilt table test, that assesses for changes in blood pressure and heart rate upon moving from a recurrent to upright position. Additional testing for POTs, including sweat gland testing (QSART), autonomic breathing test, echocardiogram, EKG, nerve biopsy, and nerve conduction studies may also be utilized to differentiate POTs from other nervous system and cardiovascular disorders. Once POTs is suspected, patients are typically referred to conventional cardiologists and/or neurologists for diagnosis and management.
Possible Causes of POTs:
Typically POTs presents after some sort of stressor to the body or a traumatic life event. This is an example of the “Rain Barrel Effect,” when the body can no longer manage toxins, infections, and other stressors. Examples of stressors that may provoke the development and progression of POTs include, physical trauma, surgery, acute illness, activation of chronic infections, bug or animal bites, toxic exposure, pregnancy, rapid changes in hormone levels (e.g. puberty), emotional trauma, etc.
Common examples of environmental causes of POTs:
- Mycotoxins
- Heavy metals
- Chronic viral infections
- Chronic bacterial infections
- Parasitic infections
Conventional Treatment of POTs:
The conventional treatment of POTs includes supporting blood volume and pressure through diet, hydration, salt, recumbent exercise, and sometimes pharmaceuticals. Most treatments target the management of symptoms, while underlying causes are not addressed. This approach can only take someone so far in treatment.
Restorative Medicine’s Approach to Managing and Treating POTs:
At Restorative Medicine, Dr. Miranda Hill treats POTs utilizing similar supports to manage symptoms, but also addresses the root causes. Underlying factors, such as stressors, toxins, infections, and other imbalances, hinder optimal function of the nervous system. By addressing the underlying root causes, recovery from POTs is possible. Dr. Miranda Hill personally was diagnosed with POTs and made a full recovery. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Miranda Hill here for POTs management and assessment.
