POTS 101: 2016 Update - Dr. Satish Raj

Dr. Satish Raj provides an overview of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), focusing on its symptoms, underlying mechanisms, and various treatment approaches. POTS is characterized by an excessive increase in heart rate upon standing, accompanied by symptoms like lightheadedness, fatigue, and mental clouding. Dr. Raj emphasizes that POTS is not a single disease but a syndrome with diverse underlying causes, including autonomic neuropathies, blood volume abnormalities, and potential genetic factors. Treatment strategies should be individualized, often combining exercise, increased blood volume techniques, medications like beta-blockers and Florinef, and behavioral therapies to improve quality of life and functionality. Dr. Raj also stresses the importance of understanding the condition’s heterogeneity, underscoring the need for tailored management plans for each patient. The talk includes insights into the use of diagnostic tests and the potential use of medications cautiously, as well as the crucial role of regular exercise in improving patient outcomes.