How do you diagnose pots syndrome?

If you ever feel lightheaded, dizzy or your heart races just from standing up, you may be suffering from Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). This syndrome is becoming more commonly diagnosed and can wreak havoc on your day-to-day life. So how do you diagnose it? Let’s dive into the symptoms and tests that doctors use to identify this sneaky syndrome.

The Symptoms – What to Look For

The symptoms of POTS are varied but there are some key indicators which doctors will look for:

A rapid heartbeat that starts when moving between lying down and standing up
Dizziness upon sudden movement
Feelings of fainting or actually losing consciousness
Shortness of breath during certain activities
Headache or pressure feeling in the head
Trembling and/or shaking hands

If these sound all too familiar, then read on!

Differential Diagnosis – Could it be Something Else?

First off, we need to rule out other disorders with similar signs as part of any diagnostic process. These include:

Disorder	Similarities
Dehydration	Feeling light-headed with low systolic blood pressure (SBP) changes
Chronic Fatigue Syndromes (CFS)	Both have fatigue-related problems
Anemia	Low energy levels causing weak pulse rates

It is not uncommon for patients who have experienced one disease before subsequently develop another completely unrelated condition so let’s ensure we’re chasing down the right diagnosis before pressing forward.

Measurements Plus Variables = Testing Time!

After ruling out other possibilities through history taking, lab testing & assessments, evaluation by specialists, electrolyte tests level (especially Sodium & Potassium), temperature readings – an individuals’ next stop would be undergoing a tilt table test ensuring a measurement baseline while being measured for various factors including heart rate, blood pressure, and even epinephrine/norepinephrine levels!

Tilt table test- What it is and why you Need it?

The tilt table test measures both changes in blood pressure as well as a heartbeat when moving from a reclining position to standing. This helps the doctors see if there’s anything off about an individual’s natural circulation system by exposing how quickly someone increases their blood flow – something that can be tough otherwise detect.

Individuals are connected to this diagnostic tool with arterial lines recorded at various intervals under varying conditions.

It may seem daunting but don’t worry! The safest way of assessing for POTS should always be given priority, especially during procedures like these.

Diagnostic Scores: Always Good-to-Know

Another nifty metric used to monitor responses with POTS includes using key metrics of “scores” or measurement thresholds; particularly shown is the Japanese Orthostatic Grading Scale (JOGS), which offers several degrees of measurement parameters (I-V).

This scale was adopted because it effectively detects tachycardia symptoms developed after sitting/standing posture changed so healthcare professionals can recognize early latent signs ahead in time!

Some other diagnostic tools could include measurements used by Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) where neuropathies play roles in detecting joint problems indicating hypermobility – all integral parts necessary for that correct diagnosis and treatment one needs

Identifying Causes & Treatment Plans

Identification of variables contributing towards an increase in heart rates immediately after changing postures will primarily depend on identifying underlying causes leading up to them initially:

Potential Cause	Indicators
Hypovolemia	Insufficient fluids within bodily channels decreasing cardiac output
Venous pooling	When plasma proteins settle lower down within legs causing limited return into circulatory systems resulting decreased output
Hyperactivity of Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)	Excess production of forementioned chemicals leading to pulse increases

After all the diagnostics and testings, a proper treatment plan can be prepared. Depending on severity some recommendations could include:

Upon returning upright emerging after lying down, ensure one stands still for a minute before starting any other movement.
Elevate salt in diet incrementally over 2 weeks & staying hydrated
easy enough right?
Other lifestyle changes up for discussion including physical therapy or even medication depending on your unique needs.

Fear not! POTS diagnosis is manageable with correct prescription solutions offered by our ever-ready medical specialists equipped with everything necessary to return us back into action once again!

Dane Raynor

Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!