POTS: high heart rate without explanation
Are you someone who has low blood pressure and a high heart rate? Your heart races as soon as you stand or attempt to exercise?
If you are, you could have POTS or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome.
What is POTS?
POTS is a condition where your autonomic nervous system struggles to regulate blood flow. When you stand, gravity pulls blood downward.
Normally, your body compensates by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate slightly.
But with POTS, this response is exaggerated. Your heart rate soars, sometimes by 30 beats per minute or more. Blood pools in your lower body, leaving you lightheaded, fatigued, and dizzy.
The most obvious sign is an abnormal increase in heart rate when you change position.
You may feel weak, experience brain fog, or even faint. Simple activities like walking upstairs leave you breathless.
Some develop cold hands and feet due to poor circulation. Others suffer from nausea, headaches, or digestive issues.
So why does this happen?
POTS is linked to nervous system dysfunction. Some cases stem from viral infections, autoimmune disorders, or prolonged bed rest.
Others arise from dehydration, hormonal imbalances, or genetic factors. Research suggests that low blood volume and abnormal blood vessel function play a role.
What can you do?
Start with hydration. Drinking more water and increasing salt intake helps maintain blood volume.
Compression stockings can reduce blood pooling. Small, frequent meals prevent drastic blood pressure drops.
Exercise, especially recumbent activities like cycling, can retrain your system.
Your body thrives on balance. POTS is a reminder of what happens when equilibrium is lost. Your heart races, not because you are running, but because your system is struggling to adapt.
The answer lies in restoring homeostasis, supporting circulation, reducing stress, and giving your body the time it needs to heal.
The path to recovery begins with understanding what is ailing your body.
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