Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

 

What is POTS?

POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. It is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. People with POTS simultaneously experience a significant increase in heart rate and a decrease in blood volume upon standing, leading to adverse effects. POTS is more common in women and typically develops in adolescence or early adulthood. It can be a chronic and debilitating disorder, but with proper diagnosis and management, many people with POTS can lead full and productive lives.

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What causes POTS?

The specific cause of POTS is unknown. However, various genetic and environmental factors can contribute to its development. These factors include autoimmune disorders, viral infections, deconditioning, genetics, hypovolemia, and dysautonomia.

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POTS is associated with certain viral infections and autoimmune disorders such as lupus and Sjogren's syndrome. Lack of physical activity, prolonged sitting, and extended bed rest can lead to deconditioning and trigger the condition.

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Hypovolemia occurs when blood volume is reduced, whether by excessive sweating, dehydration, or blood loss. Dysautonomia is an abnormality in the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Complications with these two conditions can cause the development of POTS.

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What are the symptoms of POTS?

POTS affects the autonomic nervous system and can cause a variety of conditions. Common disorder symptoms are dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing, fainting or near-fainting, rapid heart rate from minimal exertion, fatigue, headaches, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating.

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Other symptoms include palpitations, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, nausea or gastrointestinal symptoms, exercise intolerance, and sensitivity to heat or cold.

 

How is POTS treated?

POTS treatment involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, and other therapies to manage symptoms and improve overall health. Treatments vary depending on the underlying causes and severity of the condition. Common approaches to treating POTS include increasing fluid and salt intake, wearing compression clothing, exercising, taking medications, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies.

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Increasing fluid and salt intake helps elevate sodium levels and blood volume. Wearing compression clothing and engaging in physical activities like walking and swimming can benefit blood flow. Various medications, including beta-blockers, fludrocortisone, and midodrine, help regulate heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the symptoms of POTS.

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Examples of lifestyle changes that help lessen the effects of POTS include not standing for long periods, taking frequent breaks, and avoiding triggers. Alternative therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT, can help manage anxiety and depression that may be contributing to the condition.

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How does POTS affect brain wellness?

Although POTS primarily affects the cardiovascular system, it can also dramatically impact brain wellness.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue produced by POTS can negatively affect cognitive functioning, such as memory, attention, and processing speed. The condition can also induce brain fog, leading to concentration and memory difficulties. Additionally, POTS can change the brain's structure and function over time.

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Areas of the brain involved in autonomic regulation, such as the insula and cingulate cortex, have smaller gray matter volumes and alterations in functional connectivity due to POTS. These conditions may contribute to symptom severity and cognitive function impairments.

 

How can Brain Frequency™ help?

The Brain Frequency™ AI system is an innovative therapeutic approach to improving brain health and wellness. We use proprietary science-based technology to promote optimal brain functioning across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. Our diagnostic technology and individualized treatment protocols help decrease or eliminate trauma-related symptoms and various mental health disorders.

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The Brain Frequency™ 3 Step Treatment Process consists of; first, performing a Baseline EEG and completing Psychometric Assessments; second, conducting a Brain Frequency Consultation; and third, Initiating Treatment.

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) analyzes brain waves and produces a brain map identifying current and optimal frequencies in 19 areas of the brain. Based on the individualized brain map, Brain Frequency™ will determine possible diagnoses of various mental health disorders or brain trauma for the provider to consider during treatment. Brain Frequency™ AI software provides clinicians with an "Approval Ready" treatment plan using personalized protocols based on each patient's needs.

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Those suffering from symptoms of POTS can efficiently and effectively improve their brain health and wellness by using the Brain Frequency™ AI system. Our innovative system drastically reduces the time needed to properly diagnose and construct treatment plans leading to a faster recovery and greater quality of life.

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RESOURCES

 

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/

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Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): https://www.hrsa.gov/

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

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Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/

American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/

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National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/

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National Suicide Prevention Line: https://988lifeline.org/

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National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/

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Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/

 

WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/ 

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