Postural Orthostaic Tachycardia Syndrome
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a condition that causes your heart to beat faster than normal when you transition from sitting or lying down to standing up. It’s a type of orthostatic intolerance.
Each word of “postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome” has a meaning:
- Postural: Related to the position of your body.
- Orthostatic: Related to standing upright.
- Tachycardia: A heart rate over 100 beats per minute.
- Syndrome: A group of symptoms that happen together.
Normally, your body’s autonomic nervous system balances your heart rate and blood pressure to keep your blood flowing at a healthy pace, no matter what position your body is in. If you have POTS, your body can’t coordinate the balancing act of blood vessel constriction (squeezing) and heart rate response. This means that your body can’t keep your blood pressure steady and stable. This causes a variety of symptoms.
Each case of POTS is different. People with POTS may see symptoms come and go over a period of years. In most cases, with adjustments in diet, medications and physical activity, a person with POTS will experience an improvement in their quality of life.
Cheetah:
Symbolically the Cheetah represents adaptability and survival. The cheetah is a very instinctive they use that ability to outmaneuver any obstacles. Being the fastest land animal, they can only maintain an incredible speed for short time. Afterwards they need to rest. When your heart is racing with POTS the cheetah will be running by your side
1. Fastest Land Animal: Cheetahs are known as the fastest land animals, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 to 70 miles per hour (97 to 113 kilometers per hour) in short bursts covering distances up to 500 meters. They can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds.
2. Distinctive Appearance: Cheetahs are easily recognizable by their slender, long-legged bodies, distinctive black tear stripes on their faces, and spotted coat. The tear stripes help reduce the sun’s glare and improve focus on prey during hunts.
3. Specialized Hunting: Cheetahs primarily hunt small to medium-sized ungulates, such as gazelles and impalas. Their hunting strategy involves stalking their prey and using their incredible speed and agility for a short, intense chase to catch and bring down the prey.
4. Non-Retractable Claws: Unlike other big cats, cheetahs have non-retractable claws similar to those of dogs. These claws provide extra grip and act like cleats during high-speed pursuits.
5. Limited Territories: Cheetahs have large home ranges but not exclusive territories. They often overlap with the territories of other cheetahs, and it’s not uncommon to find several individuals in the same area.
6. Vulnerable Species: Cheetahs are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. The global cheetah population has been decreasing, and conservation efforts are in place to protect these magnificent animals.
7. Social Structure: Cheetahs are generally solitary animals, with males being more sociable than females. Male cheetahs often form small groups called coalitions, typically consisting of brothers from the same litter.
8. Cubs and Motherhood: Female cheetahs raise their cubs on their own, typically giving birth to a litter of three to five cubs. The cubs stay with their mother for about 18 months, learning essential hunting and survival skills before venturing out on their own.
9. Distinct Vocalizations: Cheetahs communicate through a variety of vocalizations, including purrs, growls, and chirps. Mother cheetahs often use soft, bird-like chirps to call their cubs.
10. Adaptations for Speed: Cheetahs have various adaptations for high-speed chases, including large nasal passages for increased oxygen intake, a lightweight frame, and specialized muscles for rapid acceleration. Despite their incredible speed, cheetahs have poor stamina and need to rest after a sprint to recover
Jacob Da Costa: Pioneering Researcher in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
Introduction
Jacob Mendes Da Costa (1833–1900) was a distinguished American physician whose contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the study of heart conditions, have left an enduring legacy. His groundbreaking work in the mid-19th century laid the foundation for our understanding of various cardiac disorders, most notably Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). This article delves into the life and remarkable contributions of Dr. Jacob Da Costa, shedding light on his pioneering research in the realm of POTS.
Early Life and Education
Born in St. Thomas, Danish West Indies (now the United States Virgin Islands), on June 7, 1833, Jacob Da Costa moved to Philadelphia at a young age. He demonstrated a keen intellect and an insatiable curiosity about the natural world from an early age. After completing his early education, Da Costa pursued a medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania, where he exhibited exceptional aptitude in his studies.
Career and Notable Achievements
- Military Service during the American Civil War
Da Costa’s medical career took a significant turn during the American Civil War (1861-1865) when he served as a contract surgeon for the Union Army. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions, especially those affecting the cardiovascular system. His observations during this period would later contribute significantly to his understanding of heart conditions.
- Da Costa’s Syndrome
One of Dr. Da Costa’s most significant contributions to medicine was his detailed description of what is now known as “Da Costa’s Syndrome.” In 1871, he published a seminal work titled “On Irritable Heart,” where he characterized a condition marked by palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue, often observed in soldiers. He meticulously documented the symptoms and recognized their connection to both physical and psychological stressors. His work laid the groundwork for modern cardiology and the understanding of stress-induced cardiac disorders.
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
While Da Costa’s Syndrome initially described symptoms experienced by soldiers, it wasn’t until the 20th century that the condition was more broadly understood. Today, it is recognized as a subtype of POTS, a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate when transitioning from lying down to standing up. Da Costa’s early observations and insights played a crucial role in identifying and understanding this syndrome.
Legacy and Impact
Jacob Da Costa’s contributions to the field of cardiology continue to reverberate through modern medicine. His meticulous observations, rigorous scientific approach, and compassionate patient care set a standard for future generations of physicians and researchers. His work laid the foundation for the study of stress-related cardiac conditions, which has culminated in the comprehensive understanding of POTS we have today.
Conclusion
Jacob Mendes Da Costa’s pioneering work in the field of cardiology, particularly his contributions to the understanding of POTS, has solidified his place as a luminary figure in medical history. His legacy endures through the ongoing research and clinical advancements in the field of cardiology. Today, physicians and researchers continue to draw inspiration from his meticulous approach to patient care and his commitment to advancing our understanding of cardiac disorders.