Bruising? Bleeding? Lightheaded standing up? Heart Racing? Consider POTS

This resource provides an insightful discussion on Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) with Dr. Blair Grubb and Dr. William Gunning, who have spent decades researching the condition. POTS is described as a multifaceted disorder affecting the autonomic nervous system, often exhibiting symptoms like heart palpitations, lightheadedness, and fatigue. The experts discuss the potential autoimmune nature of POTS, supported by their research into plasma autoantibodies and inflammatory markers. POTS is frequently linked with viral infections, including post-COVID-19 scenarios, suggesting viral triggers may initiate autoimmune cascades. The experts underscore the complexity of diagnosing POTS due to symptom overlap with other conditions, noting the tendency for POTS patients to have multiple autoimmune disorders. The conversation also touches upon the innovative research exploring autoantibodies and the potential role of platelets in immune response, highlighting the need for tailored medical attention and the challenges in the current healthcare climate for diagnosis and management of such complex conditions.

Published August 12, 2021