Suddenly, I heard my own heartbeat, fluttering, fluttering, and even a little dizzy feeling, as if I had returned to the moment of my first love, only the palms of my hands were sweating and the person who disturbed my heart. The rapid heartbeat is indeed a sign of spring heart budding, a signal of love. In most cases, however, if the heartbeat suddenly increases, and this manifestation occurs when changing positions, for example, from lying flat to standing. You need to be vigilant, that may be a special tachycardia.
When standing, you feel dizzy, syncope, and rapid heart rate, especially when changing from lying flat to standing, there are symptoms of rapid heartbeat, called orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, the English name is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, referred to as POTS. The record of this disease began in 1871. At that time, it was called the restless heart or the soldier's heart, describing the rhythm of the heartbeat as if it were in the battlefield. In 1944, it was officially named POTS.
Orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is characterized by frequent feelings of dizziness, palpitations, general weakness, blurred vision, and inability to tolerate exercise and fatigue while standing. When switching from lying flat to standing, the heart rate increases by 30 or more beats per minute and lasts for at least 30 seconds, however, the decrease in blood pressure is not large, and the decrease in systolic blood pressure does not exceed 20 mmHg. In 1993, some scholars found that when POTS patients were in an oblique position, their heart rate would quickly rise to 120 to 170 beats per minute, accompanied by muscle tremor, and some patients would also have a mild decrease in systolic blood pressure or an increase in diastolic blood pressure. Thus, the concept of orthostatic tachycardia syndrome was established, that is, the patient's heart rate changes, mainly related to the position, and not only when the tachycardia is erect.
Orthostatic tachycardia syndrome may be the result of a combination of mechanisms, the main causes include autonomic neuropathy, decreased blood volume, increased norepinephrine levels, mast cell activation, and autoimmune mechanism disorders. Some scholars believe that at least 50% of cases of orthostatic tachycardia syndrome occur during the stage when the infection triggers inflammation or autoimmune response, commonly infectious mononucleosis, and sometimes, mild gastrointestinal infections or throat inflammation, which can also lead to POTS.
Cardiovascular dysfunction is a common feature of POTS, in addition, the more common phenomenon in POTS patients is the coexistence of multiple chronic diseases or symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, migraine, functional gastrointestinal dysfunction, nausea, joint hyperactivity, muscle fiber pain, etc. The study found that some POTS patients also have autonomic neuropathy of the lower limbs, and when the patients are in the orthostatic position, due to the excessive dilation of the veins of the lower limbs and the enhancement of gravity, the volume of blood return is reduced and the myocardial ischemia ischemia, thereby activating the sympathetic nerve and accelerating the heart rate.
The main feature of orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is that the body is unable to adapt to the orthostatic position, and the speed at which blood flow returns to the upper body is significantly reduced, resulting in a decrease in blood flow to the brain, difficulty in maintaining oxygen supply, and the patient feels dizzy, blurred vision or unstable standing. At this point, the patient's heart rate increases by more than 30 beats per minute, or around 10 minutes after standing up, the heart rate continues to exceed 120 beats per minute. At the same time, it is accompanied by shortness of breath, unclear mind, pain in the chest or limbs, and the patient even feels that he is dying.
Orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, the current lack of specific treatment, the usual response is to combine drug therapy with life behavior changes. Studies have found that adopting a high-sodium diet with a daily intake of 5 to 10 grams of sodium helps to increase blood volume and lower norepinephrine levels, thereby slowing down heart rate. Patients can also increase blood volume by increasing hydration, and the amount of water they drink per day can reach 3 liters. Tolerance can be improved by exercising on rowing machines or swimming, as well as inclined exercise bikes, avoiding strenuous activities in the straight position. The use of stretch stockings, worn above the base of the thighs, and the upper abdominal strap are also effective measures. When sleeping, you can raise the head of the bed and cross your legs. In addition, patients need to carry out psychological adjustment, reduce anxiety, living habits, should pay attention to avoid overeating, control drinking, to prevent sun exposure. Most patients with POTS may recover within a few months, and some may persist for 1 to 3 years. If the condition worsens during this period, medication can be used to help control symptoms.
Whoever loves, pass on health to whom.