Body
Millions of Americans have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome — more commonly known as POTS — a chronic condition related to the autonomic nervous system in which the heart beats fast when a person moves from sitting or lying down to standing up.
Though in recent years POTS awareness has increased, many people still have never heard of the condition. As a result, it can be difficult for patients to get the right diagnosis — and find the right treatment.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab physician Benjamin Katholi, MD, recently appeared in a WGN Morning News segment to explain POTS and treatment solutions. Dr. Katholi is an attending pediatric physician in the hospital’s outpatient Pain Management Center, where he cares for adolescent patients with POTS and chronic pain.
Dr. Katholi noted that POTS occurs most frequently in women, especially those between the ages of 15 and 50. Symptoms may include chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, headache, heart palpitations, lightheadedness, nausea, shortness of breath and tremors.
Because those symptoms can be associated with a number of medical issues, Dr. Katholi underscored the importance of ruling out other conditions.
“There’s a wide array of testing available,” said Dr. Katholi in the segment. “It’s a very common disorder, but it’s necessary to rule out a lot of other disorders before assuming POTS is the correct diagnosis.”
Dr. Katholi also explained Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s rehabilitation-based and educational approach to treating POTS.
“Our center focuses on intensive therapies as a part of the treatment plan, as well as a lot of education on medication management, diet, lifestyle and exercise,” he said.
For example, at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, treatment includes physical therapy for strength-building and cardiovascular conditioning. Patients also gain cognitive endurance and relaxation skills; learn the benefits of good sleep and nutrition; and learn to recognize warning signs and triggers in order to reduce symptoms. Physicians may also assist patients with medication management.
Though the term POTS was coined as recently as the mid-90s, Dr. Katholi said understanding has grown and treatments have advanced in recent years. Ultimately, this has a positive impact on patients.
“POTS is something where people can have a dramatic improvement in their quality of life, but it’s not something that resolves on its own so it’s important to see the correct specialists,” said Dr. Katholi at the end of the segment.
Watch the full WGN segment with Dr. Katholi, and learn more about POTS treatment at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
