DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Cardiac Disease

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

MODERATE

A condition characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate upon standing, without a drop in blood pressure. Part of a group of disorders called dysautonomia. Affects primarily women aged 15-50. Can be debilitating. Affects approximately 1-3 million people in the US alone.

Global Affected

3.0M

Countries

30

Symptoms

Rapid heartbeat on standing
Lightheadedness
Fainting or near-fainting
Fatigue
Brain fog
Exercise intolerance
Tremors
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Palpitations
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Headaches
Sleep disturbances
Temperature dysregulation

Treatment Options

Increased fluid intake (2-3L/day)
Increased salt intake
Compression stockings
Beta-blockers
Fludrocortisone
Midodrine
Ivabradine
Pyridostigmine
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Exercise programs (recumbent)
Physical therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy
IV saline (severe cases)

Risk Factors

1Female gender (80-90%)
2Age 15-50
3Viral infection trigger
4Pregnancy/postpartum
5Surgery
6Trauma
7Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
8Mast cell disorders
9Autoimmune associations
10Genetic factors

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Tilt table test
  • 2Active stand test
  • 3Heart rate monitoring
  • 4Blood pressure monitoring
  • 5Blood volume assessment
  • 6QSART (sweat test)
  • 7Autonomic testing
  • 8Rule out other conditions

Prognosis

Generally good. Many improve over time, especially younger patients. Not life-threatening but can be disabling. 25% resolve completely. 50% improve significantly. 25% have persistent symptoms. Quality of life can be severely affected. Most can manage with lifestyle and medications.

Prevention

  • No known prevention
  • Early diagnosis and management
  • Avoid triggers (heat, standing still)
  • Maintain hydration
  • Regular exercise as tolerated
  • Rise slowly from sitting/lying
  • Elevate head of bed

Research Status

No cure. Lifestyle modifications (increased fluids, salt). Compression garments. Exercise programs (recumbent first). Medications (beta-blockers, fludrocortisone, midodrine, ivabradine). IV saline in severe cases. Graded return to activity. Cognitive behavioral therapy. Often triggered by viral illness.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoIndiaChinaRussiaSwedenNetherlandsNorwayFinlandDenmarkIrelandPolandCzech RepublicSlovakiaHungaryRomaniaAustraliaNew ZealandSouth AfricaEgyptNigeria

Sources

  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16560-postural-orthostatic-tachycardia-syndrome-pots
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.