POstural orthostatic tachycardia sydrome (POTS)
Watch a video explaining POTS
A lot of people with POTS suffer from breathlessness and can find it difficult to stay upright (this is known as orthostatic intolerance). It affects heart rate, blood vessel dilation, blood pooling, movement of food through the digestive system, and body temperature. It is due to an abnormal response by the autonomic (automatic) nervous system but can feel like something is wrong with your heart. It is of course always VITAL to speak to a doctor if you have any concerns about your heart, are experiencing any chest pain or discomfort, dizziness or shortness of breath or any of the symptoms associate with POTS. You can also speak to a cardiac nurse from the British Heart Foundation
How do you get diagnosed? What can you do? The website “My Heart.net” has all the information you could possibly need, so there is not point reproducing it here!
POTS can can be treated by a physiotherapist, training for your breathing, drinking lots of water, topping up your electrolytes (himalayan salt is good for this if you can’t tolerate electrolyte sachets), putting your feet up when sitting, taking time to lie down if possible throughout the day and wearing support stockings as well as taking medication.
Further Resources
Visit POTS UK website
Watch a video all about dysautonomia
Learn how to get moving in the morning to avoid dizziness