Tennis Stands Up for P.O.T.S.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College tennis team is raising awareness about P.O.T.S. (Postural Othostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is one of a group of disorders that have orthostatic intolerance (OI) as their primary symptom. OI describes a condition in which an excessively reduced volume of blood returns to the heart after an individual stands up from a lying down position. The primary symptom of OI is lightheadedness or fainting. 

Anyone at any age can develop POTS, but the majority of individuals affected (between 75 and 80 percent) are women between the ages of 15 to 50 years of age. Some women report an increase in episodes of POTS right before their menstrual periods. POTS often begins after a pregnancy, major surgery, trauma, or a viral illness. It may make individuals unable to exercise because the activity brings on fainting spells or dizziness.

The tennis team is selling T-shirts that will benefit the National Dysautonomia Research Foundation. The short- sleeve t-shirts are being sold for 10.00 and the long sleeve shirt is 15.00. If you are interested in supporting the Tennis team contact Lindsey Hughes at lhughes@columbiasc.edu for more information.