Review of POTS and Dysautonomia

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Dysautonomia based on the lecture notes.

What does POTS stand for?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

What is Dysautonomia?

A broad term describing conditions that affect the autonomic nervous system.

What part of the body does the Autonomic Nervous System control?

Involuntary physiological processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and digestion.

Name one function of the Parasympathetic nervous system.

It promotes 'rest and digest' functions.

What is the Sympathetic nervous system responsible for?

It is responsible for 'fight or flight' responses.

What is the Enteric nervous system associated with?

It controls digestive processes.

List one condition that can affect the Autonomic Nervous System.

Type 2 Diabetes.

What are two signs of ANS conditions?

Dizziness and changes in heart rhythm.

What does POTS stand for?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

What is tachycardia?

A heart rate that is over 100 beats per minute.

How many Americans are estimated to be affected by POTS?

One to three million.

What increase in heart rate from laying to standing indicates POTS in adults?

An increase of at least 30 beats per minute.

What position is the POTS patient typically in when symptoms occur?

Standing upright.

What is orthostatic hypotension defined by?

A drop of 20 mm Hg in systolic or 10 mm Hg in diastolic pressure upon standing.

What happens to blood in patients with POTS?

Blood may pool in lower extremities.

List a common symptom of POTS.

Lightheadedness.

What action can help reduce symptoms of POTS during episodes?

Specific maneuvers taught to the patient.

What lifestyle change is recommended for POTS patients regarding water intake?

2 to 4 liters of water daily.

Why might a patient with POTS need to increase salt intake?

To increase blood volume.

What type of exercise is often best for POTS patients?

Recumbent position type exercises.

Which medication class is commonly used to manage POTS symptoms?

Beta blockers.

Name one beta blocker used in treating POTS.

Propranolol.

What is ivabradine used for in POTS patients?

It is used when beta blockers are ineffective in reducing heart rate.

What are two side effects of pyridostigmine?

Nausea and bradycardia.

What is Midodrine used for?

To raise blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.

State a potential side effect of fludrocortisone.

Hypokalemia.

What should patients be educated about when taking Midodrine?

Not to take it close to bedtime to avoid hypertension.

What did the research recently suggest about the prevalence of POTS after COVID-19?

The number of cases may have doubled after the pandemic.

What is a common neurological test for POTS?

Tilt Table Test.

What is a possible effect of low blood volume in POTS patients?

Inability to return blood to the heart and brain.

Describe the typical onset age for POTS.

It is more likely to develop in adolescents and young adults.

During what test is blood pressure and heart rate measured as the body position changes?

Tilt Table Test.

What symptoms might a POTS patient experience during exercise?

Post exertional malaise.

What is a side effect of ivabradine?

Atrial fibrillation.

What is one dietary recommendation for POTS patients?

To consume sugar-free electrolyte options.

What condition needs to be ruled out before diagnosing POTS?

Orthostatic hypotension.

How does fludrocortisone work in POTS patients?

It increases intravascular volume by increasing renal sodium reabsorption.

What is a side effect of beta blockers?

Fatigue.

What increases in heart rate must be observed in adolescents when diagnosing POTS?

An increase of 40 bpm from laying to standing.

What is a known complication of pyridostigmine?

AV Block.

List one cardiac symptom of POTS.

Palpitations.

What lifestyle habit is important for patients managing POTS?

Good sleep hygiene.

What level of irony is involved when patients have hypotensive symptoms in POTS?

Symptoms can occur even when blood pressure is normal or high.

What should patients be advised about the timing of Midodrine?

It should not be taken too close to bedtime.

What is a common cognitive symptom of POTS?

Brain fog.

What is a potential GI symptom of POTS?

Nausea.

What physiological process can be affected by trauma, according to the notes?

Autonomic nervous system functions.

What should be monitored through the Holter Monitor in POTS patients?

Heart rhythm over time.

What is the primary advantage of using immediate-release beta blockers over extended-release ones?

Doses can be adjusted more flexibly during the day.