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Definition Of POTS= Sustained Increase Of Heart Rate?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Mich33
Mich33

Hi there,

Reading about the diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome I got a little bit confused about the exact definition.

Key is the increased heart rate of more 30 bpm within 10 min or alternatively more than 120 bpm in total.

I am wondering "for how long" does the heart rate has to stay at the elevated level? Does every healthy person has an increased heart rate after standing up? Has the increase in heart rate to be somehow "sustained" to suggests PoTS? If so, what is sustained?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • pam_87693
    pam_87693 Mich33

    Posted

    It really depends on why you have POTS! The latest group are those who have JHS. If you have this you would feel a little dizzy or faint upon standing. If you carry on feeling like this see your GP. You may be sent to a cardiologist to do a 24 hour heart test. If you have other problems like an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue, these are Sjogren's, Lupus, Amyloidosis and APS please ask your GP to refer you to a rheumatologist. If your POTS is associated with alcohol consumption or diabetes you need to change your lifestyle. We are all very different, there is no one size fits all with POTS. If you haven't been tested you should discuss this with your GP he may want to refer you to neurology for autonomic testing
    • Tumtum1963
      Tumtum1963 pam_87693

      Posted

      I'm interested in this because I have diagnosised with hypothyroidism (15 years) and Rheumatoid Arthritis but presently struggle with more neuro symptoms (small fibre neuropathy in all four limbs), dizziness, periods of arrhythmia and sweats - most recently two stroke like episodes down my left side. My BP is mostly at normal but during episodes/ flare ups and hospital stays (5 this year) it rises to very high. I was recently tested and told I didn't have dysautonomia became my BP went up on standing rather than down.

      I had looked into POTS a while ago but ruled it out because I'm 52 and apparently it invariably affects those under 50?

  • pam_87693
    pam_87693 Mich33

    Posted

    I'm 68 and yes I certainly have just this year been diagnosed with Dysautomnia and possibly POTS! I have had the POTS symptoms since my last son was born so 28 years!
  • julie01285
    julie01285 Mich33

    Posted

    I comotose on injestion daily .Even the syncope specialist thinks sleeping yet the anaethetists know also Telecare  .They won't touch me unless have to .They won't take the risk as have had a cardiac arrest low oxygen pumping.The GPs were recording classic heart symptons as mental as told not to refer.It often takes 12 phone calls to rouse and then confused when utis out of control .When out of control pyuria which causes sepsis has been detected. Have noticed a lack of testing from GPs and A&Es when now have lipo-lymphoedema [ toxicity?]

    The trouble I have had getting dental treatment & implants even abroad .I now have a dentist who is an anaethetist  who says the pulse often drops dangerously low when sedated .

    If your pulse is too quick surely too stressful for the heart so needs pacing .It could be that they are erring on the side of caution because you are borderline .

    • pam_87693
      pam_87693 julie01285

      Posted

      Julie I find your post most interesting, as I have been up to UCHL now. I still don't know the results but of course all the Drs there know Prof Hughes alternative diagnosis of an autoimmune condition. I know I shallow breath, I sweat from my hair and body yet when young I never sweated at all! I don't faint I fall, my legs are cold and numb, I have had numerous surgeries all useless, most unnecessary as to date no doctor as ever asked if I was Hypermobile I was and still am! However when after numerous surgeries I awoke once the anaesthetic had been reversed to find myself fitting, then for at least 7 days was being constantly reminded to deep breath. I know I was on oxygen for longer than normal. 
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