Olympic Swimmer Katie Ledecky recently shared her postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, diagnosis with the world. POTS is a chronic blood disorder that causes a rapid increase in heart rate when going from sitting or lying down to standing. Symptoms vary depending on the person and can change daily or weekly. “It can vary from mild cases where your heart races and you get a little dizzy upon standing, all the way to presenting as a disabling condition, disallowing patients from being upright,” Dr. Valerie Iovine, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at our Columbus Clinic, told Fox News Digital.
Dr. Iovine treats patients with POTS and has the disorder herself. “The heart will flutter in an attempt to properly oxygenate the brain,” she said. “But in addition to the dizziness, headaches, passing out or near passing out, many with this disorder don’t realize that it can account for other issues, like temperature dysregulation, blood pressure dysregulation and GI dysfunction.” Dr. Iovine believes that “movement is medicine” when treating POTS. According to Dr. Iovine, seeking care from a cardiologist and physical therapist is essential. Hydration, extra electrolytes, and staying cool can also help manage symptoms. POTS causes a “dynamic disability,” Iovine noted. “One day, it may allow you to swim like an Olympic athlete, and other days, [it will] have you stuck in bed or even in a wheelchair.”
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or have questions regarding POTS, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a Strive Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation physical therapist. Your health and safety are our top priority. For the full article, please click here: What is POTS, the disease affecting Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky?
