Christina Applegate’s daughter, Sadie Grace Applegate LeNoble, revealed on a podcast that she has been living with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) for years, though she was only recently officially diagnosed. This comes as Christina continues to battle multiple sclerosis.
“I have no clue what it actually is, but it’s something to do with the autonomic nervous system and it affects my heart,” Sadie explained.
“So when I stand up, I get really, really dizzy and my legs get really weak and I feel like I’m going to pass out.”
POTS affects the body’s autonomic nervous system, which controls essential functions like heart rate, digestion, and blood flow. It causes the heart to beat faster than usual when moving from a lying or sitting position to standing up.
This condition, affecting 1 million to 3 million Americans, is common but currently incurable according to the Cleveland Clinic.
POTS impacts the autonomic nervous system, responsible for crucial bodily functions such as heart rate and blood flow regulation. When transitioning from lying or sitting to standing, individuals with POTS often experience a rapid increase in heart rate.
Despite its prevalence affecting 1 million to 3 million Americans, POTS currently lacks a cure, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic.
“Them not doing anything about it definitely hurt me physically and emotionally,” she said. “This is rude and I feel sick and you’re telling me to go to PE and run laps around the football field. I can’t do that.”
Christina Applegate expressed regret for not recognizing Sadie’s condition earlier, acknowledging that both she and school staff missed it.
She apologized to her daughter and drew connections between her own battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) and Sadie’s experiences with POTS, highlighting the challenges they both face with their respective health conditions.
“We get out in the world, and the stresses and the anxiety of the world bring upon our symptoms much worse than they would be if we were in the safety and the coolness of our own homes,” she said.
Sadie, who is in the process of figuring out treatment and medication for POTS with her doctor, shared that her condition has helped her empathize with her mom, Christina Applegate.
Christina was diagnosed with MS three years ago and has been open about her challenges with the autoimmune disease.
Recently, Christina also discussed the return of her depression, highlighting the ongoing complexities of managing her health.
Applegate’s teen, whom she shares with musician Martyn LeNoble, told her mom,
“If I didn’t have [POTS], I probably would be like, ‘I don’t really care. I don’t know what you’re talking about.’”
Applegate consoled her daughter:
“I really hate it for you. I’m sad.”
She continued:
“I love you and I know you’re going to be OK. And I’m here for you and I believe you. And thank you for bringing this to light and awareness.”
