POTS Uncovered: Navigating the Mysteries of Standing Up and Staying Strong

OTS Uncovered affects the autonomic system, causing abnormal heart rate and blood flow when standing. Those with POTS can see their heart rate rise by over 30 bpm or surpass 120 bpm within 10 minutes of standing. This excessive heart rate response can result in many distressing symptoms that significantly impact daily life and overall well-being.

Overview of the Autonomic Nervous System’s Role in Regulating Blood Flow and Heart Rate

To grasp POTS, you must understand the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its role in ensuring cardiovascular stability. The ANS, a complex nerve network, serves as the body’s automatic control system, overseeing functions like heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, breathing, and temperature. This system divides into two main parts: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).

When you change positions, like standing from lying down, the ANS actively redirects blood flow, preventing it from pooling in the legs and ensuring the brain receives enough blood. The SNS increases heart rate and narrows blood vessels, whereas the PNS slows the heart rate, expands vessels, and supports digestion when resting.

Prevalence and Demographics of POTS

While people consider POTS a rare condition, underdiagnosis and varied diagnostic criteria make its…