Exercise and POTS

One of the things I don't recommend initially for dysautonomia/POTS is exercise. The Levine/CHOP protocol is a program that is often recommended for people with POTS to improve their exercise tolerance. The theory is that people with dysautonomia are physically deconditioned, and if they progressively increase their exercise tolerance they will increase their cardiac output and stroke volume and reduce their tachycardia. PMID: 25487551

While I am sure this has helped some people (which is amazing!), I have found that most POTS patients have worsening symptoms after exercise.

POTS is a VIRAL issue that affects the autonomic nervous system. Research has made the link that viruses can trigger POTS, when in fact the Epstein Barr virus is the cause (Medical Medium). Infections, trauma, surgery, stress, pregnancy, concussions, vaccines, and heartbreak are some triggers that can weaken the immune system and cause EBV to reactivate and inflame the autonomic nervous system.

Putting your body into fight or flight (more than it already is) with exercise is adding extra stress to the body, which can make symptoms worse. While exercise is important, rest is more healing. Exercise should be limited to gentle stretching and walking, and once you are feeling better, you can incorporate any exercise you enjoy that feels good!

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