Is POTS Syndrome Life Threatening Or Not?

Before we discuss POTS (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and its symptoms, causes, and treatment, let us answer the most crucial question – whether POTS is life-threatening or not? POTS is usually life-altering, but it isn’t life-threatening. It can significantly impact the quality of life of the affected person, but it is rarely fatal. 

What is POTS?

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a medical condition that causes dizziness, a sudden increase in heart rate and falling blood levels when a person is standing or changes their posture from sitting to standing. POTS is caused due to insufficient blood supply to the heart when someone stands still. The complete name refers to a combination of symptoms that occur at the same time. POTS also causes dysautonomia, a condition that causes the autonomic nervous system to stop functioning correctly. The autonomic nervous system controls breathing patterns, heart rate, and blood pressure, amongst other things, which, if suffering, can indicate POTS. Although POTS can occur at any age in both males and females, it is mainly found in women belonging to the 15-50 year age group. 

Different Causes And Types Of POTS

What we know is that the cause of POTS varies from person to person. Putting POTS in different categories based on symptoms and severity is also a matter that is open to discussion. However, signs of POTS can be found more in certain patients than the others. Based on these signs and how they affect an individual, we can classify POTS into the following types:

• Hyperadrenergic POTS: This type of POTS is characterised by higher levels of norepinephrine, a stress hormone. 
• Neuropathic POTS: It has been found that small fibre nerves get damaged in this form of POTS. These nerves are responsible for the tightening or contraction of blood vessels present in the abdomen and limbs. 
• Hypovolemic POTS: This type of POTS comes from hypovolemia, which is characterised by significantly low blood levels in the body.
• Secondary POTS: This type is caused by an underlying condition that can lead to autonomic neuropathy in the future. The conditions associated with Secondary POTS include autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and others.

Is POTS Too Serious?

POTS is not a life-threatening condition. However, it can change the lifestyle of a person completely. Even if sufficient blood doesn’t reach the heart, it can’t stop working all of a sudden. To avoid complications, people are advised to bring changes to their posture, especially when they are standing upright. This is done to ensure that enough blood is being pumped to the heart.

POTS can dramatically downgrade the quality of life of an individual. To not let it impact your life too much, it is essential that you address it on time and ensure that it is properly treated or managed. To start, make sure that you get a professional diagnosis. The symptoms of POTS are similar to several other conditions, including heart problems. Diagnosis will help you rule out other possibilities. 

Impact Of POTS

POTS can affect almost anyone but women between their early teenage years and those entering the later phase of their lives are most likely to be impacted by this condition. The severity of POTS is different in different people. In addition to its usual symptoms, people suffering from POTS also complain of fatigue. Anxiety is another condition that is commonly associated with POTS. Existing anxiety can aggravate POTS symptoms in some cases. On the other hand, POTS can also be a reason for people getting anxiety. In order to treat POTS related anxiety, it is crucial to understand the cause and manage it from the root of the problem.

How To Manage/Treat POTS?

There is no standard method or protocol available for the treatment of POTS. So you are required to make specific changes in your lifestyle and take some medications to live a healthier and better life. Managing POTS has to be done through a multifactorial approach. You also need to consult your doctor to find out if other conditions like diabetes play a part in worsening the condition. Lifestyle changes should be made for a long-term benefit. It is vital to indulge in a sustained exercise programme for a more profound effect. Compression garments and medications are helpful, but they might not be for everyone.

POTS is not a serious condition but can impact the quality of your life considerably. To minimise effects, it is imperative to prepare and follow a long-term POTS management plan.