Circulation booster query???

[allyb]

Does anybody know if it is safe to use a circulation booster with symptoms of POTS, tachycardia and low blood volume/pressure?

I have been loaned a circulation booster from a friend, it works by sending electronic impulses up through the feet as they rest on a stimulation plate.

I was wondering before using this device if it was entirely safe to use, with the heart and circulation problems that are associated with ME???

kind regards

AllyB

 

[ukxmrv]

I did look at these once. If it really does cause the muscles in your feet and calves to contract and release then it could cause the same type of PEM malaise after exercise that PWME get. I've not tried one because of that possible problem and also because I've found other electrical stimulas things very painful (i.e, Slendertone). Sitting with my feet on the ground would maybe be bad as well because I'm best if my feet are up.

In the end I bought a pair of boots (in plastic) that can be used with the legs up and they contract and release as a pump. No electrical impulses.

Good luck. If you do use them please let us know how you get on.

 

[ramakentesh]

In relation to POTS there appears to be separate subgroups that display POTS but have quite different and even opposing etiological mechanisms. A subset have reduced peripheral blood flow that appears related to failed skeletal muscle pump activity (that is reduced leg blood flow reduces the ability of the leg muscles to sustain orthostatic blood flow). Perhaps a device that increased blood flow to the extremities would improve the efficacy of the skeletal muscle pump and improve orthostatic symptoms.

A larger subset of POTS patients have increased periperhal blood flow and impaired venous return in the legs. its unclear what effect this device would have on this presentation. A large subset of opatients also have increased blood flow specific to the stomach (splanchnic) circulation where there is increased leg vasoconstriction on standing as partial compensation for the stomach pooling. A device that improves circulation in these cirumstances would make someone feel worse rather than better.

I wont go into the PEM aspects which I believe relate more to blood flow abnormalities than anything else, but under these terms it might or might not help depending on what is going on with your specific blood flow.

 

[ramakentesh]

Many herbal specialists might prescribe Gingko for OI but it might make patients worse rather than better for the reasons outlined above.