How do you diagnose pots?

If you’re feeling dizzy, lightheaded, fatigued or experiencing rapid heartbeats (also known as tachycardia), it could be possible that you’re suffering from POTs.

Now before you go down the Dr. Google rabbit hole and start self-diagnosing (never a good idea by the way), let’s take a light-hearted look at what POTS is all about and how to identify it.

What is POTs

POTs or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a medical condition in which individuals experience excessive increase in their heartbeat (that goes over 100 beats per minute) when they sit up or stand after lying down for an extended duration.

This might make them feel faint due to decreased blood flow through their body – hilarious really!- but on a serious note it can cause discomfort and disruptions to daily life tasks.

So without further ado let’s get straight into diagnosing this wicked condition.

Signs & Symptoms of POTs

As with any diagnosis there are many signs & symptoms to keep an eye out for
– Dizziness/ Lightheadedness
– Rapid Heart Beat
– Shortness of breath / Difficulty breathing
– Chest Pain
– Nausea
– Headaches /Migraines
– Anxiety
– Brain Fog

Some people may only experience one symptom where others experience multiple so its important (weather permitting) to listen closely your body otherwise your GP will tell provide professional guidance or not

Testing for POTS

Remembering if left untreated it could lead low fluid volume causing damage just like my BFF Karen who ate nothing but celery soup..erk! So how do we confirm if this person has got themselves some pots? Well according some medical experts carry out these tests
1.Vertical Auto Nuclear Tilt test Phew concentrate you with all these long words.
(VANT) to see your heart at different angles.
2.A stand test
3.Tilt Table Test (TTT)

Once a specialist confirms POTS after the results of tests, treatment & care can begin.

What Does Treatment Involve?

The right kind of treatment for POTs will vary based on what’s causing it and how severe it is but some examples include:
– Medication
– Lifestyle changes: Such as diet change to avoid certain foods or particularly overeating at times when their heart rate may be higher than average such as after exercising
– Physical Therapy: Including exercise routines and physical strengthening options
– Increased Fluid Intake

Living With POTs

Living with POTs means finding ways to manage symptoms whether that’s adapting your routine or managing lifestyle choices, so try not get too bummed out! This can often involve avoiding factors known to trigger episodes such as extreme temperatures (Hot weather = NOPE) drinking un caffeinated fluids and even doing some light exercise.

In conclusion, if you think you’re one of us unlucky few coping with POTS – fear not, there are tonnes resources available including medical experts whose job is help provide relief from nasty symptoms,possibly even less celery soup making Karen more fun around other people.

From understanding what causes PODS through appropriate testing options and suitable treatments, working together will definitely provide an effective way forward:

                           ”Positive mind frame + diagnosis + Professional help”

That about sums up your journey in diagnosing ‘POT syndrome’ Stay safe & stay healthy guys!

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