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Does your heart rate ever lower with POTS syndrome?

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Guest
Guest

Hi guys.

I’m awaiting for my POTS testing to come back and as far a my cardiologist thinks, he suggested that POTS is what I have.

My heart rate is wonderful whenever I’m lying/sitting but I start standing or walking and HR shoots right up and doesn’t come back down.

I’ve tried veripamil (ccb) and I’m on propranolol (B.B.) 80mg daily 40morning and 40night, it worked for nearly 4 months but in the last week I take my tablets and they just are not lowering my HR.

Is it possible to ever reduce your heart rate with medication if you have POTS?

I’m just really worried that my cardiologist won’t ever be able to lower my HR and I won’t be able to live out my life, at least even if it has changed because of this illness.

Would cardio ablation work for POTS?

I’m seeing an EP specialist in 3 weeks, maybe they could do something?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • kenaz
    kenaz Guest

    Posted

    I am sorry for your situation Kimberly. I have exceedingly high heart rate with any activity and over the past year my blood pressure has also gotten very high. Testing showed that I have Dysautonomia and no blood pressure medication have helped. I have started to pass out but the Cardiologist has no idea what to do. I am greatly modifying my activities and trying to find some answers. I do not take anything for heart rate but I do have a pace maker so the rate can't drop to quickly. I am 71 yrs old so I am not sure what else can be done. I am also a male and am not sure if your Pots is the same as my Dysautonomia which they think was brought on by traumatic brain injury. I wish you well in your quest for answers.

    Blessings to you, Ken

  • ErrinHS
    ErrinHS Guest

    Posted

    Hi Kimberley,

    I'm sorry to hear that you're going this at the moment.

    I have had POTS for the last year or so but only diagnosed a few months ago so have gone through a fair amount of tests and trial medication! I'm only 20 so I can understand the effect it's having on your life.

    It definitely is possible to lower your HR when you have POTS. When you are officially diagnosed it is likely your cardiologist will try you with a drug called Ivabradine. It works by specifically lowering your heart rate, rather than how a B.B works which also has other functions. For me, Ivabradine has helped but doesn't do much when I have to walk far or walk up a hill ect.

    If you get light headed when you walk/stand, it's likely that the blood is pooling in your lower extremeties, and then your heart is racing to try and pump the blood back to the brain. It sounds kinda scary but that's a standard thing for people with POTS. If this is the case then your cardiologist may also try you with a drug called Midodrine. It works by constricting the blood vessels so your blood makes it back up your body in a more normal way, and should mean that your heart doesn't have to work as hard.

    As far as ablation goes, it's usually not an option for people with POTS alone, because it's not an issue with the heart, just the Autonomic Nervous System. If you have something else though, such as Atrial Fibrillation then ablation may work. Your cardiologist and EP specialist will be able to advise.

    Alot of the time, drugs for POTS is very trial and error because it differs so much with each person. If its POTS that you have, the road ahead is going to be long but you should feel confident that the cardiologist will get you right in the end.

    Best wishes

    Errin

  • diana_ruth02375
    diana_ruth02375 Guest

    Posted

    Kimberly:  I am new to this site and I am wondering how long you dealt with  POTS before you found out what you were dealing with.  Thank you.
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