“The face of postural tachycardia syndrome – insights from a large cross‐sectional online community‐based survey.

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a clinical condition in which patients experience chronic symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. Consensus documents define POTS by a significant heart rate increase (≥30 beats per minute within 10 min of upright posture or ≥40 beats per minute if under 18 years), with no orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure >20/10 mmHg within 3 min of upright posture) 1–5. POTS can be associated with significant morbidity, poor sleep quality and diminished quality of life 6–8. There is no single treatment that can ‘cure’ a patient of symptoms 9. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is often needed 9.

Postural tachycardia syndrome is estimated to affect between 500 000 and 3 000 000 people in the United States alone 10, 11. It also has a strong female predominance (5:1) 12, 13. Despite this, there are few published data detailing the demographics, features and clinical course of this condition. Most studies are limited by small sample sizes, referral bias and comprise populations from single, highly specialized tertiary care centres.

Here, we present data from an international survey of patients with POTS. These data provide unique information from the perspective of patients suffering from POTS. We aimed to highlight patients’ long‐term experiences in managing POTS, including background demographics, comorbidities, symptom burden and their diagnostic journey with this illness. This online, community‐based survey consists of the largest sample of POTS patients reported to date.”

Shaw, B. H., Stiles, L. E., Bourne, K., Green, E. A., Shibao, C. A., Okamoto, L. E., … Raj, S. R. (2019, April 16). The face of postural tachycardia syndrome – insights from a large cross‐sectional online community‐based survey. Wiley Online Library. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joim.12895.

Read the full article here.

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