Orthostatic tachycardia, also known as postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), is a condition that is characterized by an abnormal increase in the heart rate when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position.

The condition is often accompanied by a range of symptoms, which can be debilitating for some individuals, and affect their quality of life.

What Are the Symptoms of Orthostatic Tachycardia?

The most common symptoms of orthostatic tachycardia include:.

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Weakness
Fainting or near-fainting
Shakiness or trembling
Sweating
Pain or discomfort in the chest
Shortness of breath
Headache
Anxiety
Heart palpitations

These symptoms usually occur within a few minutes of standing up, and can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.

In some cases, individuals with orthostatic tachycardia may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Diagnosing Orthostatic Tachycardia

Diagnosing orthostatic tachycardia can be challenging because the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions such as hypoglycemia, anemia, and anxiety.

Furthermore, the symptoms of orthostatic tachycardia can be intermittent, which can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition.

To diagnose orthostatic tachycardia, your doctor may perform a series of tests, including:.

Tilt table test: This test involves lying on a table that is tilted upwards at an angle of 60-80 degrees. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs are monitored throughout the test.
Autonomic function tests: These tests check the functioning of your autonomic nervous system, which controls your heart rate, blood pressure, and other bodily functions.
Blood tests: Blood tests may be done to check for underlying conditions that may be causing your symptoms, such as anemia or thyroid dysfunction.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records the electrical activity of your heart and can detect abnormalities in the heart rhythm.

Once a diagnosis of orthostatic tachycardia has been made, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and symptoms.

Treating Orthostatic Tachycardia

The treatment of orthostatic tachycardia depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your condition. Some of the treatment options include:.

Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your diet and exercise routine can help improve your symptoms. For example, increasing your fluid and salt intake can help raise your blood volume and improve your blood pressure. Similarly, regular exercise, especially exercises that involve standing up, can help improve your cardiovascular system.
Medications: Several medications can help treat the symptoms of orthostatic tachycardia, including beta-blockers, fludrocortisone, and midodrine. Beta-blockers slow down your heart rate, while fludrocortisone and midodrine affect the blood volume and blood vessel tone.
Tilt table training: This treatment involves a gradual increase in your time spent on a tilt table, starting at a lower angle and gradually increasing until you can tolerate standing upright without experiencing symptoms.

In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be necessary to improve your symptoms. It’s important to work closely with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is safe and effective for your individual needs.

Preventing Orthostatic Tachycardia

While it’s not always possible to prevent the development of orthostatic tachycardia, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition or to prevent it from getting worse, including:.

Eating a healthy diet that is high in fluids and salt
Staying hydrated
Gradually increasing your physical activity, especially exercises that involve standing up
Avoiding triggers that can worsen your symptoms, such as hot environments, prolonged standing, and excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
Wearing compression stockings, which can improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood pooling in the legs and feet

Orthostatic tachycardia can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right treatment and lifestyle modifications, it’s possible to improve your symptoms and regain your quality of life.