RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Clinical challenges in the diagnosis and management of postural tachycardia syndrome
JF Practical Neurology
JO Pract Neurol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 431
OP 438
DO 10.1136/practneurol-2016-001405
VO 16
IS 6
A1 Jones, Pearl K
A1 Shaw, Brett H
A1 Raj, Satish R
YR 2016
UL http://pn.bmj.com/content/16/6/431.abstract
AB 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.