title: Clinical challenges in the diagnosis and management of postural tachycardia syndrome.
abstract: Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a multifactorial clinical syndrome defined by an increase in heart rate of ≥30 bpm on standing from supine position (or ≥40 bpm in children). It is associated with symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion that are worse when upright and improve when in supine position. Patients often have additional symptoms including severe fatigue and difficulty concentrating. There are several possible pathophysiologic mechanisms including hypovolaemia, small-fibre peripheral neuropathy and hyperadrenergic states. POTS can also be associated with several disorders including mastocytosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hypermobility type) and autoimmune disorders. The treatment is focused on symptom relief and not solely on reducing tachycardia. Given its varying presentations, it is important to employ a practical, mechanism-focused approach to the diagnosis and management of POTS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Pearl K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
authors.forename: Brett H
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3799-6847
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.
authors.forename: Satish R
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5890-3785
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Raj
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases; D005221:Fatigue; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D054972:Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011187:Posture
keywords: AUTONOMIC; POTS; orthostatic intolerance; postural tachycardia syndrome; tachycardia