DYSAUTONOMIA

The autonomic nervous system controls basic bodily functions like heart rate, body temperature, and digestion. It does this automatically, without having any awareness. There are two parts of the autonomic nervous system, the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which often perform opposing functions.

The Autonomic nervous system malfunctions when its constituent components are out of synch. Diabetics and patients with Parkinson's disease often have autonomic dysfunction. Depending on its severity, it may cause varied symptoms and may be either temporary or permanent.

These symptoms include feeling dizzy or fainting when standing up, difficulty regulating heart rate, problems with sweating, digestion, urination, and sexual function. Patients may also experience blurred vision. These symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Lifestyle changes may help manage some symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. Elevating the foot of the bed, staying hydrated, adding salt to the diet, wearing compression stockings, and changing positions slowly may help manage orthostatic hypotension.

Prescription medications may also be used to manage symptoms.

Physical therapy may help improve symptoms of autonomic dysfunction.

POTS

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects blood flow through the body when changing positions. It is characterized by symptoms including lightheadedness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or feeling faint. The diagnosis of POTS, requires an increase of heart rate of at least 30 beats per minute within the first 10 minutes of standing up, as measured on a tilt table. Other possible causes of these symptoms must be ruled out before a diagnoses of POTS can be made.

POTS symptoms can be different for each person and can include:

• Feeling very tired or weak, even after resting for a long time
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded when sitting or standing up, which can cause fainting
• Difficulty with focus, memory, and attention, often called brain fog
• Feeling like the heart is beating too hard or too fast, or having heart palpitations
• Feeling sick to the stomach, and sometimes vomiting
• Headaches
• Sweating too much
• Shaking
• Difficulty tolerating exercise or activity, which can make symptoms worse
• Pale face and purple discoloration in the hands and feet when they are lower than the heart

POTS symptoms can get worse in warm environments, when standing for long periods of time, or when fluid and salt intake are not enough.
POTS is a physical condition, and it's not caused by anxiety, although some people with POTS may also have anxiety. POTS can significantly impact a person’s personal and professional life.

The treatment for POTS is personalized. Treatment strategies include:

• Regular exercise may decrease POTS symptoms. However, it's important to work with your healthcare provider to develop an exercise plan that's safe for you.
• Eating a diet rich in fluids and salt can help decrease POTS symptoms. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol can also be helpful.
• Compression stockings can help reduce POTS symptoms as well. They work by applying pressure to the legs, which helps prevent blood from pooling in the lower extremities.

Since POTS symptoms can vary, it's important to work with your healthcare provider to determine which treatment options are best for you.

VASOVAGAL SYNCOPE

Vasovagal syncope occurs when the autonomic nervous system regulating heart rate and blood pressure malfunctions.

Triggers can include the sight of blood, prolonged standing, and heat exposure, amongst others. During an episode, heart rate decreases, blood vessels dilate, and blood pools in the legs, causing reduced blood flow to the brain.

Fainting can sometimes indicate a serious underlying condition, so it's important to consult a doctor. Techniques such as lying down with elevated legs or sitting with the head between the knees may help manage symptoms. This requires a physician's diagnosis, and doctors can help identify triggers and suggest avoidance strategies.

ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION

Orthostatic hypotension, also known as postural hypotension, is a condition characterized by low blood pressure when moving from a sitting or lying position to standing, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and potential fainting.

Sporadic occurrences may be linked to factors like inadequate hydration or extended periods of bed rest. Chronic orthostatic hypotension may serve as an indicator of more severe underlying health concerns.. Common causes include dehydration, heart issues, endocrine disorders, and nervous system ailments. Risk factors include age, certain medications, specific diseases, heat exposure, prolonged bed rest, and alcohol use.

Long-term orthostatic hypotension can lead to complications like falls, strokes, and cardiovascular conditions, especially in older individuals.

Seeking medical attention is essential when experiencing frequent orthostatic hypotension symptoms.

LONG COVID

COVID-19 is a virus that attacks the mitochondria and DNA in our cells to replicate and survive. Mitochondria are important for giving the body energy, so when the virus attacks, it causes oxidative stress which leads to fatigue, exercise intolerance and other symptoms. The virus also compromises the lungs, making it harder to breathe and generate energy molecules. Those who have symptoms for weeks or even months after they first got sick are likely to suffer from "Long COVID" or "Post-COVID Syndrome." It's estimated that about 10% of people who get COVID-19 will have these long-lasting symptoms.