The information outlined below on common conditions and treatments is provided as a guide only and it is not intended to be comprehensive. Discussion with Dr Saha is important to answer any questions that you may have. For information about any additional conditions not featured within the site, please contact us for more information.
POTS is a debilitating condition which makes it challenging for patients to function normally in day-to-day life.
Simply standing up can be a major challenge for patients with POTS and patients can have numerous symptoms including headaches, palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness and fainting. Some patient with POTS may also have disorders of temperature regulation (feeling too hot or cold), or have gut symptoms such as frequent diarrhoea.
Often, POTS is misdiagnosed and patients are referred to various teams for several investigations, but with no certainty in diagnosis. This is a condition that is under-recognized by the wider medical community. However, once a diagnosis of POTS is made, patients can be offered clear management strategies, which may include drugs, which can be very helpful in managing symptoms of POTS. Often a multidisciplinary team approach is needed and our cardiologists work with other specialists including gastroenterologist, physiotherapies, an rheumatologists to provide a comprehensive package of care for patients with POTS.
Symptoms and investigation
A diagnosis of POTS can be suspected from the clinical history and examination. A rise in heart rate by more than 30 beats per minute or to above 120bpm within 10 minutes of standing up from a seated or lying position, associated with reproduction of typical symptom profile suggests the diagnosis.
A tilt table test can be helpful in making a formal diagnosis of POTS.
Treatment
Your specialist Consultant will tailor a treatment program for patients with POTS, which includes the following: increasing fluid and salt intake, with occasional prescribing of salt tablets, and other drugs such as fludrocortisone, midodrine or ivabradine. Exercise rehabilitation is an important component of management and will be emphasized by your specialist.
Discussion with Dr Saha is important to answer any questions that you may have. For information about any additional symptoms you may be suffering from that are not featured within the site, please contact us for more information.
