POTS and EDS- my conditions:
These are the conditions I have as well as others and how they impact my life:
The Link Between POTS & EDS: What You Need to Know
If you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or suspect you might, you may have also experienced symptoms of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)—but why are these conditions so often connected?
What is POTS?
POTS is a form of dysautonomia, a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. People with POTS experience an abnormal increase in heart rate (30+ BPM in adults, 40+ BPM in teens) upon standing, often leading to dizziness, fainting, fatigue, and brain fog.
What is EDS?
EDS is a group of connective tissue disorders that cause joint hypermobility, fragile skin, and issues with blood vessels and organs. hEDS (Hypermobile EDS) is the most common type and has a strong association with POTS.
How Are POTS & EDS Connected?
🔹 Weak Connective Tissue & Blood Vessels – In EDS, the connective tissue that supports veins and arteries is more fragile. This can lead to poor circulation and blood pooling, which triggers the heart to compensate by increasing heart rate (a hallmark of POTS).
🔹 Dysautonomia & Nervous System Dysfunction – Many with EDS have dysautonomia, meaning their body struggles to regulate blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate properly. This makes it harder for the body to adapt to standing upright, leading to lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting.
🔹 Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) Link – Many people with EDS and POTS also have MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), a condition where the immune system overreacts, releasing too many histamines and causing allergy-like symptoms, flushing, and increased heart rate.
Common Symptoms Seen in Both POTS & EDS
✅ Dizziness or fainting when standing
✅ Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
✅ Fatigue and exercise intolerance
✅ Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
✅ Digestive issues (gastroparesis, IBS-like symptoms)
✅ Temperature regulation problems (heat/cold intolerance)
✅ Joint pain and hypermobility
Diagnosing & Managing POTS in EDS
📌 Tilt Table Test or Active Stand Test – Diagnoses POTS by measuring heart rate and blood pressure changes when moving from lying down to standing.
📌 Blood Tests & Autonomic Testing – May help rule out other conditions contributing to symptoms.
💡 Management Strategies
🔹 Increase Salt & Fluids – Helps maintain blood pressure and prevent dizziness.
🔹 Compression Garments – Support circulation and reduce blood pooling.
🔹 Physical Therapy & Exercise – POTS-specific recumbent exercises (like cycling or rowing) can help build tolerance.
🔹 Medications – Beta-blockers, midodrine, or fludrocortisone may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
Why Awareness Matters
Many people go undiagnosed for years because doctors don’t always connect POTS symptoms with EDS. If you or a loved one has joint hypermobility, unexplained dizziness, fatigue, or fainting, it’s important to seek proper testing and care.
✨ Understanding the link between POTS & EDS can lead to better symptom management and improved quality of life! ✨
#AxelStrong
#POTS #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #Dysautonomia #HypermobileEDS #ChronicIllnessAwareness #POTSawareness #EDSawareness #InvisibleIllness #MCAS #AutonomicDysfunction
**Taken from a Facebook post**
