Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a blood circulation disorder this can be disruptive to daily life. POTS will show up in daily physical struggles as well as having social and emotional impact. Due to unpredictable symptoms, attending events, gatherings or even going out with friends becomes a difficult decision leading to Isolation. The exact cause of POTS may be related to underlying autoimmune disorders (lupus, Sjogren syndrome, celiac disease), and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Sections:

Warning

Below is a list of what other community members have experienced for symptoms, treatments and medications. This is meant to provide you with the information necessary to educate yourself and see that you aren’t alone. These are in no way recommendations for your specific condition.

Please Help Another

Your Long COVID symptoms provide clues to help others. Please share your experience with us and together we may provide another with relief.

Symptoms:

↑

1. Lightheadedness and Fainting: Individuals with POTS often experience sudden lightheadedness upon standing. This can lead to fainting spells, making simple tasks like getting out of bed or standing up from a chair a potential hazard.

2. Brain Fog: The persistent feeling of mental fogginess can interfere with concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function. Simple tasks may become mentally exhausting.

3. Fatigue: POTS-related fatigue is not the typical tiredness we all experience. It’s an overwhelming exhaustion that can strike at any moment, even after minimal exertion.

4. Exercise Intolerance: Physical activity can trigger symptoms, so maintaining an exercise routine becomes a delicate balance. Too much exertion can worsen symptoms, while too little can lead to deconditioning.

5. Headaches and Blurry Vision: These symptoms can further impact daily life, making it challenging to focus on work, studies, or leisure activities.

Treatments:

↑

1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.

2. Increase salt intake (unless you have high blood pressure).

3. Wear compression stockings to aid blood circulation.

4. Get up from a lying position slowly and sit for a while before standing.

5. Dizziness: lie down and raise your legs if possible.

6. Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller meals throughout the day can prevent blood pressure drops after eating.

7. Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers (such as heat, stress, or certain foods) is essential.

Medications:

↑

The following medications have been gathered from various sources and have not been vetted. They are listed for you to research and better understand your options when speaking with your doctor. WE HAVE NO SPECIFIC INFORMATION THAT SUGGESTS THESE MEDICATIONS WILL BE HELPFUL FOR THIS OR ANY LONG COVID RELATED CONDITION.

DO NOT TAKE THESE MEDICATIONS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS RECOMMENDATION OF A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.

1. Fludrocortisone (corticosteroids): Helps the body retain sodium.

2. Atenolol (beta blockers): Decreases heart rate.

3. Midodrine (vasopressors): Narrows blood vessels and acts as an anti-hypotensive.