Comorbidities of POTS: Possible Connections

You knew you weren't crazy, but doctors have been gaslighting you for what feels like eons.  Things could be worse, but they could be better too.  You've been searching for a while to try to find out exactly what is going on with your body, and you finally got a diagnosis; POTS. 

Dizziness, brain fog, low (or high!) blood pressure, syncope or fainting, and more are all signs and symptoms of POTS.  The jury is still out, but it's suspected to be a type of autoimmune disease.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, is a disorder that is commonly misdiagnosed as anxiety or panic disorders.  This is because POTS, a form of dysautonomia, causes rapid heart rate that can mimic anxiety disorders.  

But that's not the end of your journey to health.

There's something else.  Something that doesn't quite fit the symptoms of POTS you're experiencing.  It could be a comorbitity.

COMORBIDITIES OF POTS

Now that you've gotten your diagnosis, you're researching what to do.  One of the good things to look into is the different comorbidities of POTS so that you can empower yourself to advocate for other diagnoses.

Comorbidities are simply medical conditions that often go together.  Now, just because you have one doesn't mean you'll have another, but the more informed you are the better. 

Here's a list of common comorbidities of POTS:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)
• Insomnia
• Fibromyalgia
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
• Chronic Headaches or Migraines
• Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (or MCAS)
• Gastroparesis
• IBS
• Raynaud's Disease
• Celiac Disease
• Hashimoto's Disease
• Sjogren's Disease
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Lupus

This isn't an all inclusive list of comorbidities, and we intend to talk about them individually more in depth. 

Standing Up to POTS, a nonprofit that advocates to improve the quality of life for people with POTS has a list on their website with additional comorbidities.

MANAGING SYMPTOMS OF POTS

There is currently no cure for POTS, and research is still lacking.  Doctors are still working to find a cure and research is ongoing to understand the why. 

Your doctor may have discussed with you the ways to manage symptoms of POTS.  Here's some other commonly agreed upon ways to help yourself manage the amount of spoons you have in a day.

• Fluid replacement: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially oral rehydrations salts which will prevent dehydration.
• Salt intake: Increasing your salt intake can also help to maintain blood volume and prevent blood pooling in the legs. You can do this by adding salt to your food or drinking electrolyte-rich drinks like NormaLyte.

• Compression garments: Compression garments, such as compression socks or stockings, can help to improve blood circulation and reduce pooling in the legs.
• Pacing: Pacing is a strategy for gradually increasing activity levels to avoid overexertion. This can help to prevent symptoms such as fatigue, lightheadedness, and dizziness.
• Exercise: Exercise can help to improve blood circulation and therefore reduce symptoms of POTS. However, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise as tolerated.
• Medications: There are a number of medications that can be used to treat POTS symptoms. These medications may include beta-blockers, fludrocortisone, and midodrine.
• Lifestyle changes: There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to manage POTS symptoms. These changes may include avoiding triggers such as heat, caffeine, and alcohol, and getting regular sleep.

ELECTROLYTES AND POTS

Electrolytes are essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body. When people with POTS lose electrolytes through sweat, they may not be able to replenish it quickly enough, which can lead to dehydration and further symptoms of POTS. 

This is especially true for those who suffer from heat intolerance and find

themselves sweating a lot.  Or, for those that feel like they're just not holding their water like normal.  It's possible that your body isn't holding the fluid the way it should.  In those cases, you may need a medical grade electrolyte, an oral rehydration salt like NormaLyte.

NormaLyte has been shown in a clinical study to help manage symptoms of POTS.  Many testimonies online agree.  Some people saying how it changed them by allowing them to live a more normal symptom free life.  Claim your free samples and see the difference for yourself.

If you have POTS, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether taking electrolytes is right for you. Your doctor can help you determine which electrolytes are right for you and how much you should take.