Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the blood flow of a sufferer. People who have POTS can experience a diminished quality of life. The symptoms and complications of this condition may make it difficult for a person to enjoy leisure activities or complete job tasks.

There are different types of POTS. These can include:

Neuropathic POTS: This type is characterized by damaged nerves. Specifically, the nerves that are responsible for the constriction of blood vessels in the abdomen and limbs.

Hyperadrenergic POTS: This type is characterized by high levels of norepinephrine, which is a stress hormone.

Hypovolemic POTS: This type is characterized by extremely low blood volume.

Secondary POTS: This type of characterized by other conditions that cause autonomic neuropathy. These other conditions can include diabetes, lupus, or other autoimmune diseases.

Aside from the lightheadedness, fainting, increased heart rate, and decreased blood pressure, other symptoms that people may experience include:

Chronic fatigue

Chest pain

Nausea

Sweatiness

Heart palpitations

Shortness of breath

Anxiety

Difficulty sleeping

Difficulty concentrating

Tremors or shaking

Weakness

Common complications that can be linked to POTS include tachycardia, fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating. Physical activity is often difficult or impossible for people who suffer from POTS. The heart rate increases dangerously high when a person with the condition engages in physical activity, and even moving from a sitting position to a standing position can cause the heart rate to increase rapidly.

Any type of physical activity is impossible for a person with POTS to maintain. This means that it is typical for people who have this condition to be completely unable to work. Medical experts know very little about the cause of POTS, so treatment of the condition is focused on easing symptoms. Some patients do not see their symptoms diminish at all with treatments.

Treatment for this condition should vary based on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure. Doctors focus on treating the POTS symptoms rather than treating the actual condition. Some of these treatments include medication like beta blockers, midodrine, fludrocortisone, pyridostigmine, or even salt tablets. Doctors may even suggest wearing medical compression socks to encourage the blood to flow up the legs. Keeping fluids in the body to increase the amount of blood the body produces is also important, so doctors may encourage people to take on a diet high in salt and drink a lot of water. Walking or doing yoga can help the blood flow and maintain a healthy heart, so this may be something a person should consider if they don’t already exercise lightly. 

If you need help applying for Social Security Disability or SSI, please contact me at joshben99@gmail.com. I have over 20 years experience with Social Security Disability cases. I handle cases all over the United States. 

Location: Michigan, USA

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