Bethenny Frankel recently posted a video to Instagram about her health issues, including her battle with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). According to the caption of the video:
“Some people have noticed my face looks different in recent shots, so here’s why.”
Frankel stated that she was swollen and enlarged and that her weight had increased by about 4 pounds in three days because her body was “desperately holding on to all the fluids it could.” She described POTS as an autoimmune disease that has been exacerbated by Covid-19. Bethenny Frankel stated that she knows many people who suffer from the same disease and that it is a condition she can handle. She went on to say:
“I have persistent extreme exhaustion. I’ve always had incredibly low blood pressure and exhaustion, but it’s gotten much worse. I make a concerted effort to stay hydrated, get IVs, and haven’t had any alcohol in 6 months. I am essentially working.”
Bethenny Frankel added that the arid environment has exacerbated her situation, and she ended by saying that when people comment on someone’s appearance, they are unaware of what the person has been through individually, physiologically, and emotionally.
POTS: Signs, Causes, and Prevention
The Cleveland Clinic defines postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome as a disease in which the pulse pumps faster than normal when a person is resting, lying down, or standing up. Cases of POTS differ from each other, and symptoms may worsen or improve over the next few years. POTS is most common in women ages 15 to 50. It is also possible for men to contract it during childbirth. If a person struggles with another type of illness for a long period of time, he or she may be identified with POTS. Women who are pregnant are at a higher risk of getting it, and physical injury or treatment may also play a role.
Anyone diagnosed with POTS is more likely to have more blood in the vessels below the heart while standing. The body produces more norepinephrine or adrenaline, which causes the blood vessels to constrict. Because the blood vessels do not respond to the hormones, the heart rate increases, causing dizziness, syncope, and fatigue. Dizziness, fainting, difficulty concentrating, palpitations, exhaustion or tiredness, nervousness, excessive sweating, difficulty breathing, chest pain, headache, bloating and disturbed sleep due to chest pain, rapid heartbeat and excessive sweating during sleep coming all common for symptoms of POTS.
Research is still being done to find a cure for POTS, but exercise, exercise, and a healthy diet may help relieve symptoms to some extent. Medications such as fludrocortisone, pyridostigmine, midodrine, and beta blockers are also options.
Despite her health problems, Bethenny Frankel loves her life.
Bethenny Frankel’s POTS condition has caused her a lot of trouble, but she’s still having a good time. She recently shared a photo of her beaming and writes that living in the highlands has caused her many health problems, but she is grateful to be able to live in such a beautiful location and pursue her interests. Frankel stated:
“The battle for health is true, but the thrill of the journey almost makes it worth it. Prioritizing health and exercise is critical as we strive to be the best version of ourselves for our children and households.”
She concluded the post by praising everyone for their love and well wishes, adding a note that she knows how to do her cosmetics and pull herself together when she “feels so bad.” Bethenny Frankel is best known for her appearances on The Real Housewives of New York City, but she has also appeared on Chelsea Lately, Dancing with the Stars, Million Dollar Listing New York, Bar Rescue, Beat Bobby Flay, and other programs.
