Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (or POTS) is a condition of orthostatic intolerance in which a change from the supine position to an upright position causes an abnormally-high increase in heart rate, often, but not always accompanied by a sharp fall in blood pressure.

The syndrome was identified as such by Schondorf and Low in 1993. Similar symptoms were collectively described as "idiopathic hypovolemia" by Fouad in 1986.

Symptoms include a sudden increase in heart rate upon standing, often accompanied by hypotension, and associated with dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. About 80 percent of patients diagnosed with POTS are female and of menstruating age.

The causes of POTS are not fully known, since the term describes a collection of symptoms rather than a disease. It is generally believed to be a case of dysautonomia. Its onset is sometimes associated with an inflammatory condition such as a viral infection. An overlap of symptoms with chronic fatigue syndrome may suggest a pathological overlap in some cases. The condition is often diagnosed using a tilt table test.

References

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Schondorf R, Low PA. Idiopathic postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: an attenuated form of acute pandysdautonomia? Neurology. 1993;43:132-137.

External links

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• Dysautonomia Information Network (aka POTS Place)
• Dysautonomia Youth Network of America, Inc.

Cardiology