#Pots Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a type of dysautonomia1, in which the blood vessels do not constrict properly and the patient experiences tachycardia when shifting positions from supine or sitting to standing. POTS is not rare2 and is more prevalent than multiple sclerosis. It is estimated to affect one to three million Americans, and though it affects both sexes, 80-85% of POTS patients are females between ages 15 and 50. The odds are high that you will encounter at least one POTS patient during your nursing career. What to Watch for in POTS Patients: Common Symptoms of POTS The primary defining symptom of POTS is orthostatic intolerance while standing upright, resulting in significant tachycardia. The adult patient's heart rate increases at least 30 bpm or is greater than 120 bpm during the first 10 minutes upon standing, with an absence of orthostatic hypotension. Tachycardia is often accompanied by a cluster of other specific symptoms, which may include: Chest Pain SOB Lightheadedness GI issues3 Migraines Peripheral vascular pooling Acral cyanosis Cold sweaty extremities, I.e., "clammy" hands and feet Cognitive impairment, I.e., "brain fog" Exercise intolerance Syncope Types of POTS POTS is classified as primary or secondary. Primary forms of POTS are not correlated with other diseases. Secondary forms are associated with other diseases or conditions that may have contributed to the development of POTS symptoms, such as Lyme disease, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, chemotherapy, and heavy metal poisoning. There are 4 characteristic forms of POTS and patients may present with multiple characteristics. Neuropathic – small-fiber neuropathy affects constriction of the peripheral and abdominal vessels Hypovolemic – abnormally low volume of blood Partial Dysautonomic – the most common primary form, characterized by excessive blood pooling in the extremities and abdomen while upright Hyperadrenergic – elevated levels of norepinephrine Causes of POTS POTS is not a disease, but a collection of disorders with similar symptoms and is a syndrome that is not fully understood. It is thought to have many causes and therefore the underlying root cause of POTS can be difficult to determine and may not be discovered for every patient. Since approximately 40% of patients living with POTS have a relative with POTS or another type of dysautonomia, some patients have a possible genetic link. POTS-Associated Conditions and Comorbidities There are numerous diseases and conditions associated with POTS. The following is not an all-inclusive list, but some conditions and comorbidities associated with POTS are: Amyloidosis Autoimmune Diseases Antiphospholipid Syndrome Diabetes Lupus Multiple Sclerosis Sjogren's Syndrome Sarcoidosis Chiari Malformation Genetic Disorders Infections Epstein Barr Virus Mononucleosis Lyme Disease Hepatitis C Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) Diagnosis of POTS Lack of awareness in the medical community and limited providers specializing in POTS can cause prolonged diagnosis for many POTS patients. The average search for a POTS diagnosis is 4 years. This delay can have a negative impact on the patient's mental health, increase physical suffering, and create financial hardships for the patient and their family. The most common diagnostic tool used to identify POTS is the tilt table test. Additional diagnostic tools to further evaluate the functionality of the patient's autonomic nervous system may be helpful, such as QSAT, TST, EKG, gastric motility studies, and skin nerve biopsies. POTS Treatment Options, Prognosis, and Quality of Life Although a small percentage of adolescent patients have reported recovery, POTS is a chronic condition for the majority. POTS can present as mild, moderate, or severe and 25% of POTS patients struggle to perform ADLs, attend school or work, and participate in social events. Some physicians and researchers have compared these functional limitations as equivalent to the functional limitations of patients with COPD or CHF. There is no cure and there are no FDA-approved medications for POTS, but it can be managed with a combination of multiple therapies, off-label use of pharmaceuticals, and lifestyle changes. A team of POTS-knowledgeable providers is optimal to provide an adequate treatment plan and management. Treatment plans may include: Lying down Compression stockings with at least 30 mm HG ankle counterpressure Abdominal compression wear Increased salt intake to 3 – 10 grams per day (except in hyperadrenergic form) Increased non-caffeinated fluid intake to 2-3 liters per day Physical reconditioning using reclined exercises (rowing, swimming, recumbent bicycling) Healthy diet Elevating the head of bed Medications used off-label to improve conditions enough for exercise reconditioning such as: Alpha-adrenergic agonists ACE-inhibitors Beta-blockers Calcium channel blockers Diuretics EPO Ganglionic blocking agents MAOIs TCAs SSRIs SNRIs How Nurses Can Support POTS Patients Many POTS patients have spent years trying to obtain a proper diagnosis and may have developed a mistrust of the medical system as a result. Unfortunately, providers have often incorrectly diagnosed POTS symptoms as stemming from an anxiety disorder. Although many patients with chronic illnesses like POTS may suffer from anxiety and depression, these are not causes of POTS. Approach POTS patients with an open mind and a listening ear to learn how you can best support the patient. Connect the patient with online and local resources. Educate the family members and caregivers about POTS and how they can best support their loved ones. Additional Resources Visit these patient resources to learn more. Dysautonomia International4 is a non-profit that helps people living with dysautonomia, including POTS. The Spoonie Struggle5 is a podcast hosted by a neuropsychologist who also has POTS. Read about one nurse's struggle living with POTS6. References 1. NIH Dysautonomia: What research is being done? 2. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) 3. Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: a Systematic Review 4. Dysautonomia International: For Patients 5. The Spoonie Struggle: Let's Talk About Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome 6. The Mighty: I'm a Chronically Ill Nurse. Here's What I Want Others to Remember During Nurses Week Dysautonomia International: 10 Facts About POTS: Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome AHA Journals: Postural Tachycardia Syndrome 4 Likes About Vikki Earley, ADN Vikki Earley, RN is a nurse writer, freelance copywriter, and children’s book author. She is the owner and founder of Healthcare Writer Solutions and she has a background in pediatrics, NICU, clinical quality, nurse consulting, and Medicaid Managed Care. Currently, she cares for her adult daughter who is living with POTS. 2 Articles 1 Post Share this post Share on other sites