Diagnosis & Management of POTS, 2017

Dr. Satish Raj provides an in-depth overview of POTS, focusing on its diagnosis, the complexity of its symptoms, and management strategies. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between orthostatic tachycardia and related symptoms, discussing the variability in diagnostic criteria. Dr. Raj explains POTS as a syndrome with multiple potential underlying mechanisms, such as hypovolemia and hyperadrenergic states, and notes how these can complicate treatment. Management strategies include exercise programs to improve cardiovascular fitness and various pharmacological approaches, such as beta blockers and volume expanders, tailored to the patient's specific symptoms. He also highlights the need for a holistic management approach to improve quality of life for POTS patients, addressing both physiological and psychological aspects. Dr. Raj discusses challenges in diagnostics and emphasizes that treatment should be personalized due to the heterogeneous nature of POTS.