Common Treatments For Patients With POTS Syndrome

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a medical condition that causes a person to experience a number of symptoms when standing up due to problems with circulation. Some of the symptoms that a person with POTS syndrome may experience include lightheadedness, an increase in heart rate, blurry vision, headache, fatigue, and difficulty thinking clearly. If you are experiencing symptoms of POTS syndrome, it is important to see your doctor for diagnostic testing and to determine a treatment plan. A variety of methods are used to treat POTS syndrome, including the following.

Medication

While there is not a prescription medication available to specifically treat POTS syndrome, there are several different types of medications used to help prevent the common symptoms most people experience. Your doctor may start by prescribing one or more medications, but changes may be made based on how you react and whether or not you see an improvement. Some of the medications used are beta blockers that help reduce heart rate, and those that help blood vessels constrict, increase blood flow, or assist the kidneys in retaining sodium. If your doctor prescribes medication to help treat POTS syndrome, it is essential to take the medication exactly as prescribed.

Changes in Diet

Many people who have POTS syndrome find that their symptoms improve after making changes to their diet. If you are diagnosed with POTS syndrome, you may need to significantly increase your salt intake. Your doctor may recommend taking salt tablets or adding salt to your food. Good sources of salty snacks include beef, chicken or vegetable broth, pickles, salted nuts, and sardines. It is also important to stay hydrated and drink an ample amount of fluids every day. Drinking water is the best option, but you can also opt to consume sports drinks. Try to change your eating habits as well by opting for several small meals over the course of the day, as opposed to three large meals. 

Physical Therapy

Exercise is a great way to improve circulation and blood flow, but many people with POTS syndrome find that their symptoms worsen with intense physical activity. Physical therapy is a great way to retrain your body to be able to tolerate exercise. When you work with a physical therapist, they will develop a plan that starts out slow and increases over time. When physical therapy is combined with dietary changes and the right combination of medication, many people with POTS syndrome see an improvement.

For more information about POTS syndrome treatment, talk to a doctor.