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CRPS Can Affect Your Blood Pressure

Do you often feel dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up or feel like your heart is pounding at a million miles an hour when you are at rest? Do you worry about your blood pressure? You may wonder if it is possible that CRPS can affect your heart and blood pressure? Your heart an organ that can be directly affected by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, (also called CRPS and previously named RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy until 1994), is a neurological condition that also affects the vascular system due to it's ability to cause vasoconstriction. It is not uncommon for people suffering from CRPS to have problems like Orthostatic Hypotension (low blood pressure on standing) or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) (high blood pressure on standing) can be caused by CRPS. For many people who have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS, this can be a serious problem. Both Orthostatic Hypotension and POTS are a form of orthostatic intolerance, and the development of symptoms only appear when standing up from a reclining position, and can only be relieved by sitting or lying back down. The main symptoms are increased lightheadedness, fainting, and an uncomfortable, rapid increase in heartbeat, a symptom of CRPS due to vasoconstriction.

*It is important to note that both conditions can only be diagnosed via clinical evaluation by a physician, doctor or cardiologist.

What is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, POTS?
(High Heart Rate)

To someone with CRPS, the fact that CRPS can affect your heart and blood pressure with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which can raise your heartrate upon standing, can be quite scary. When you are already in pain, and your body is already struggling to circulate the blood oxygen around to all of the limbs due to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, getting dizzy or lightheaded is not another symptom that you expect to feel on top of the pain that you are already dealing with.

Considering that POTS is a condition that affects circulation (blood flow), the dangers of falling and hurting yourself even more become another safety concern that you must consider on top of ensuring that your heart is able to get the blood circulated around your body.

According to John Hopkins, there are two distinct criteria for POTS:

You qualify for a very specific group of symptoms that frequently occur when standing upright.

A heart rate increase from horizontal to standing of at least 30 beats per minute in adults, or at least 40 beats per minute in adolescents, which can be measured during the first 10 minutes of standing (or on a tilt-table) diagnosed with a physician.

What is Orthostatic Hypotension?
(Low Heart Rate)

Alternatively, there is Orthostatic Hypotension which is a condition by which your blood pressure falls significantly when you stand up quickly. Don't confuse it with Hypotension, which is low blood pressure, the opposite of high blood pressure. Low blood pressure means that there is at least a 20mm Hg drop in the systolic or a 10mm Hg drop in diastolic blood pressure in the first three minutes of standing upright.

This can also be very scary for someone with CRPS, which can affect your heart and blood pressure, and cause dizziness, lightheadedness and could cause you to lose your balance and fall down and in some cases, you may even faint.

Symptoms of POTS and Orthostatic Hypotension
Other than the heartrate and blood pressure readings, the physical symptoms are very similar.

The relationship with both POTS and Orthostatic Hypotension relationship to CRPS is in the fact that is is directly involves the Autonomic Nervous system (which automatically controls and regulates vital bodily functions) and Sympathetic Nervous System (which activates the fight or flight response).

As POTS and Orthostatic Hypotension is a form of orthostatic intolerance, the development of symptoms that develop when standing up from a reclining position, are usually relieved by sitting or lying back down. The primary symptom of an orthostatic intolerance is lightheadedness, fainting, and an uncomfortable, rapid increase in heartbeat.

Heart rate and blood pressure work together to keep the blood flowing at a healthy pace, no matter what position the body is in. People with POTS and Orthostatic Hypotension cannot coordinate the balancing act of blood vessel squeeze and heart rate response. This means the blood pressure cannot be kept steady and stable.

Anytime the heart has to work extra hard to pump body to all of the limbs in the body, especially the feet and legs which are the furthest away from the heart, and it is struggling to do so, WebMD shares that some of the symptoms you may feel include:

Feel dizzy or faint
Have blurry vision
Feel nauseous or shaky
Throw up
Sweat a lot
Have brain fog
Fatigue
Chest pain
Feeling hot or cold
Feeling anxious, nervous, or jittery
Headaches and neck pain
Insomnia
Diarrhea or constipation
Fainting (Orthostatic Hypotension)

Each case is different and you may see symptoms come and go over a period of years. In most cases, with proper adjustments in diet, medications and physical activity, you may see an improvement in the quality of life. Also, if an underlying cause is found and is treated, the symptoms may subside.

Different Forms of POTS
There are various forms of POTS.

The most common are:

Neuropathic POTS: Peripheral denervation (loss of nerve supply) leads to poor blood vessel muscles, especially in the legs and core body.
Hyperadrenergic POTS: Overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system
Low blood volume POTS: Reduced blood volume can lead to POTS. Low blood volume can cause similar symptoms that may overlap in neuropathic and hyperadrenergic POTS

Diagnosing POTS & Orthostatic Tachycardia
Diagnosing POTS may be difficult due to the many different symptoms that it brings, and often times, most people have their blood pressure and resting heart rates taken while sitting, so it is never even a consideration until they meet someone else who has it. Most times, POTS is heard by word of mouth and awareness.

According to John Hopkins, POTS is diagnosed only when orthostatic hypotension is ruled out and when there is no acute dehydration or blood loss.

Once you, or your doctor, become suspicious based on your symptoms, you may undergo one of these following tests.

Blood and urine test for causes of POTS and conditions that mimic POTS
QSART (a test that measures the autonomic nerves that control sweating)
Autonomic breathing test (to measure how your blood rate and pressure respond during exercise)
TST (tuberculin skin test)
Skin nerve biopsy
Echocardiogram
Blood volume with hemodynamic studies

If you have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS, and have any of the symptoms, this is something that you should have your doctor check you for to ensure your safety to help avoid a fall or secondary issue that may arise.

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Hello Lisa Ruiz, I was unable to sent it private, check which doctor on the list accepts your insurance. Good luck let know anything else you may need
Goodnight

Port Saint Lucie FL Neurologist Doctors - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Get the Facts on Treatment Port Saint Lucie Florida Neurologist Doctors physician directory - Learn about complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a condition in which high levels of nerve impulses are sent to an affected site.

Day: 13
How Inflammation affects the body. .

In·flam·ma·tion - A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection.
"Chronic inflammation of the nasal cavities"
synonyms: swelling, puffiness; redness; rawness, soreness, tenderness; infection, festering, suppuration, septicity
"apply ice to the inflammation"

What is inflamation?
Inflammation is the body's response to injury. It works to heal wounds, but it can also play a role in some chronic diseases. ... It is the body's attempt to heal itself after an injury; defend itself against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria; and repair damaged tissue.

What are the 5 classic signs of inflammation?
The traditional names for signs of inflammation come from Latin:
Dolor (pain)
Calor (heat)
Rubor (redness)
Tumor (swelling)
Functio laesa (loss of function)

What are the three stages of inflammation?
The are three main stages of inflammation which can each vary in intensity and duration:
Acute -swelling stage.
Sub-acute – regenerative stage.
Chronic – scar tissue maturation and remodelling stage.

What are the signs of inflammation in the body?
Symptoms of inflammation include:
Redness.
Swollen joint that's sometimes warm to the touch.
Joint pain.
Joint stiffness.
Loss of joint function.

What is best anti inflammatory medication?
Here is a list of some of the most commonly prescribed NSAID medications:
Aspirin (brand names include Bayer, Ecotrin, Bufferin)
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
Meloxicam (Mobic)
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Indomethacin (Indocin)

What is the strongest anti inflammatory medication?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Aspirin (Bayer, St. Joseph) ...
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol, Nuprin) Ibuprofen is an NSAID available in both OTC and prescription strengths. ...
Naproxen sodium and naproxen (Aleve) ...
Diclofenac (Zorvolex, Voltaren) and diclofenac-misoprostol (Arthrotec) ...
Other prescription NSAIDs

Day: 12
RSD 6 Possible Causes of Brain Fog
Suzanne Falck, MD on June 14, 2017

What is brain fog?
Brain fog isn't a medical condition itself, but rather a symptom of other medical conditions. It’s a type of cognitive dysfunction involving:

memory problems
lack of mental clarity
poor concentration
inability to focus
Some people also describe it as mental fatigue. Depending on the severity of brain fog, it can interfere with work or school. But it doesn't have to be a permanent fixture in your life.

What are the causes of brain fog?
There are numerous explanations for why brain fog occurs. Once you identify the underlying cause, you can begin fixing the problem. Here are six possible causes.

1. Stress
Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and trigger depression. It can also cause mental fatigue. When your brain is exhausted, it becomes harder to think, reason, and focus.

The effects of stress on the body »

2. Lack of sleep
Poor sleep quality can also interfere with how well your brain functions. Aim for 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Sleeping too little can lead to poor concentration and cloudy thoughts.

Causes and risk factors for insomnia »

3. Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes can also trigger brain fog. Levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen increase during pregnancy. This change can affect memory and cause short-term cognitive impairment.

Similarly, a drop in estrogen level during menopause can cause forgetfulness, poor concentration, and cloudy thinking.

Learn the connection: Memory loss and menopause »

4. Diet
Diet can also play a role in brain fog. Vitamin B-12 supports healthy brain function, and a vitamin B-12 deficiency can bring about brain fog.

If you have food allergies or sensitivities, brain fog may develop after eating certain foods. Possible culprits include:

MSG
aspartame
peanuts
dairy
Removing trigger foods from your diet may improve symptoms.

5. Medications
If you notice brain fog while taking medication, talk with your doctor. Brain fog may be a known side effect of the drug. Lowering your dosage or switching to another drug may improve your symptoms.

Brain fog can also occur after cancer treatments. This is referred to as chemo brain.

6. Medical conditions
Medical conditions associated with inflammation, fatigue, or changes in blood glucose level can also cause mental fatigue. For example, brain fog is a symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, which involves persistent fatigue for longer than six months.

People who have fibromyalgia may experience similar fogginess on a daily basis.

Other conditions that may cause brain fog include:

anemia
depression
diabetes
Sjögren syndrome
migraines
Alzheimer’s disease
hypothyroidism
autoimmune diseases such as lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis
dehydration

How it’s diagnosed
See your doctor if you have persistent lack of clarity that worsens or doesn't improve. A single test can’t diagnose brain fog. Brain fog may signal an underlying issue, so your doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask about your:

mental health
diet
level of physical activity
current medications or supplements
You should let your doctor know about other symptoms you might have. For example, someone with hypothyroidism may have brain fog along with hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, or brittle nails.

Blood work can help your doctor identify the cause of brain fog. A blood test can detect the following:

abnormal glucose levels
poor liver, kidney, and thyroid function
nutritional deficiencies
infections
inflammatory diseases
Based on the results, your doctor will determine whether to investigate further. Other diagnostic tools may include imaging tests to look inside the body, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. The doctor may also conduct allergy testing or a sleep study to check for a sleep disorder.

Keeping a food journal can help you determine if your diet contributes to brain fog.

How to treat it
Brain fog treatment depends on the cause.

For example, if you’re anemic, iron supplements may increase your production of red blood cells and reduce your brain fog. If you're diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid or other medication to reduce inflammation or suppress the immune system.

Sometimes, relieving brain fog is a matter of correcting a nutritional deficiency, switching medications, or improving the quality of your sleep.

Home remedies to improve brain fog include:

sleeping 8 to 9 hours per night
managing stress by knowing your limitations and avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine
exercising
strengthening your brain power (try volunteering or solving brain puzzles)
finding enjoyable activities
increasing your intake of protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats
What is the outlook for brain fog?
Brain fog can be frustrating, but relief is possible. Don’t ignore your symptoms. If left untreated, brain fog can impact the quality of your life.

13 Things You Know Too Well If You Live with Brain Fog
Dealing with brain fog is no easy feat. If you or a loved one lives with fibromyalgia, here are 13 things you'll be able to relate to.

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