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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Orthostatic Hypotension Or POTS Cause These Symptoms?

I have been diagnosed with POTS or Orthostatic Hypotension, because I feel lightheaded and lose my vision (black out) a lot when I stand. I go through periods of a few days when it happens much more. I also feel very lightheaded, my heart pounds, it is harder to breathe, and I feel like I m going to pass out while in the shower, and my heart also pounds and races when I wake up from naps. Are these symptoms of Orthostatic Hypotension/POTS, or should I get my blood taken/see a doctor?
Tue, 29 Sep 2015
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Cardiologist 's  Response
Hello!

Thank you for asking on HCM!

I understand your concern and would explain that these symptoms can be related to orthostatic hypotension.

The fact that your symptoms are triggered by standing up position, is an argument in favor of these disorders.

But a chronic anemia as well as some metabolic disorders could mimic this clinical scenario (or exacerbate the POTS symptomatology)

So I recommend consulting with your GP for a careful physical examination and some blood lab tests:

- complete blood count (for chronic anemia)
- Ferritine and hemosiderine plasma levels (chronic anemi)
- thyroid hormone levels (thyroid function)
- cortisol plasma levels (adrenal gland function)
- fasting glucose
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes, etc.

Meanwhile, I would recommend taking plenty of fluids (water, juices), avoid straining physical activity and have a balanced diet.

Hope to have been helpful!

Feel free to ask any other questions, whenever you need!

Best wishes,

Dr. Iliri
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Does Orthostatic Hypotension Or POTS Cause These Symptoms?

Hello! Thank you for asking on HCM! I understand your concern and would explain that these symptoms can be related to orthostatic hypotension. The fact that your symptoms are triggered by standing up position, is an argument in favor of these disorders. But a chronic anemia as well as some metabolic disorders could mimic this clinical scenario (or exacerbate the POTS symptomatology) So I recommend consulting with your GP for a careful physical examination and some blood lab tests: - complete blood count (for chronic anemia) - Ferritine and hemosiderine plasma levels (chronic anemi) - thyroid hormone levels (thyroid function) - cortisol plasma levels (adrenal gland function) - fasting glucose - kidney and liver function tests - blood electrolytes, etc. Meanwhile, I would recommend taking plenty of fluids (water, juices), avoid straining physical activity and have a balanced diet. Hope to have been helpful! Feel free to ask any other questions, whenever you need! Best wishes, Dr. Iliri