Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

What is POTS? 

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition characterised by the body’s difficulty in regulating blood pressure and heart rate upon transitioning to an upright position. In individuals with normal orthostatic tolerance, a slight drop in blood pressure with postural changes typically causes the heart rate to increase by 1–15 bpm. However, for those with POTS, the heart rate can rise by more than 30 bpm within 10 minutes of standing, often without significant changes in blood pressure.

Common Symptoms of POTS 

Is exercise safe for someone with POTS?

Yes, exercise is not only safe but also highly beneficial for individuals with POTS when tailored to their unique needs and symptoms. Understandably, concerns about exercise intolerance and symptom fluctuations can cause apprehension. However, a trained Exercise Physiologist will create a personalised program, starting with low-impact exercises and gradually increasing intensity based on your tolerance.

Strategies to Manage Exercise with POTS:

• Pacing: Balancing intensity with rest periods as needed.
• Adequate hydration: Maintaining fluid balance before, during, and after exercise.
• Modifying intensity and duration: Adjusting workouts based on daily symptom levels.
• Warm-up and cool-down: Ensuring gradual transitions in and out of exercise to avoid strain.
• Exercising in cooler environments: Minimising heat-induced symptoms.
• Muscle tensing: Incorporating techniques like heel raises to improve circulation.
• Postural considerations: Using seated or machine-based exercises to reduce the impact of gravity.

Symptom fluctuations during exercise are common but can be managed effectively with these strategies. Over time, exercise can lead to significant improvements in symptom control, physical function, and overall quality of life for individuals with POTS.

Benefits of exercising include

• Increased blood plasma and red blood cells: Enhances oxygen transportation throughout the body.
• Combats deconditioning: Addresses one of the key contributors to symptom worsening.
• Improves circulation: Supports better blood flow, reducing blood pooling and dizziness.
• Boosts cardiovascular health: Helps alleviate tachycardia (rapid heart rate) symptoms.
• Increases muscle mass: Assists in raising blood pressure, improving circulation, and overall stability.
• Enhances sympathetic nervous system tolerance: Aids in managing stress responses, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and shakiness.
• Improves gravity tolerance: Reduces symptom onset when transitioning between positions.

---

How can an Exercise Physiologist help?

While POTS can be debilitating, research indicates that exercise plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Studies show that consistent exercise over three months can significantly reduce POTS symptoms and enhance daily functioning.

Coast Sport Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP) can help develop a tailored exercise program incorporating both cardiovascular and strength training, specifically designed around your symptoms, fitness levels, and exercise tolerance. The program will also address lifestyle factors contributing to symptom management, helping you identify and manage triggers.

They will provide education around: 

• Pacing strategies: Recovery techniques, warm-ups, and body awareness to prevent overexertion.
• Trigger identification: Recognising activities or situations that worsen symptoms (e.g., prolonged standing, washing hair).
• Hydration and nutrition: Ensuring adequate fluid intake and a balanced diet to maintain blood volume and energy levels.
• Relaxation practices: Managing stress to reduce overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system.
• Sleep strategies: Improving sleep quality to support recovery and resilience.
• Social support: Encouraging connections with others for emotional and practical support during your exercise journey.

Call today on 0243562588 to book to see one of our Exercise Physiologists at our Tuggerah or Erina clinic!