Stairs

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I can only speak to my own experience and hope that gives you some insight into what POTS is and how it can affect you or the people around you.

I personally find stairs harder to do than an incline. It could be because when you bend your knees your valves have to work harder than keeping your knees more straight. Stairs for me are harder to go up than come down, so here are some hints and tricks for them.

Shoes off

This only works when you’re at home but I do find taking my shoes off makes me more steady and lets me feel more balanced. I’m sure it’s more psychological than practical but it works when I’m at home.

Breaks

When you are going up a large staircase then I would suggest taking it a little at a time. If there are built in landings stop at each one for a minute or two to rest and get your heart rate back down. If there is a bench on the landings maybe stop there for a minute to two. The goal is to lower your heart rate to be able to keep going.

Rest at Top

Take a break at the top and relax for a minute before you keep going. If you take a break and really get your heart rate down. Find a quick place to sit or if you can’t just stand against something for a moment.

Hydrate

If you drink a lot of water before you’ll be better off, adding Liquid IV will help too. If you can bring water with you and take a sip at each landing and then drink a bunch at the top.

Compression Stockings

These really help so much, they will help the blood to circulate when you’re going up the stairs and keep your blood pressure and heart rate up.