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Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Last reviewed: 5 Oct 2024
Last updated: 07 Jun 2023

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • orthostatic tachycardia
  • orthostatic palpitations
  • presence of risk factors
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • orthostatic lightheadedness
  • orthostatic blurred vision
  • exercise intolerance
  • orthostatic presyncope
  • orthostatic tremor
  • orthostatic generalized weakness
  • dyspnea
  • orthostatic syncope
  • bloating
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • abdominal pain
  • fatigue
  • headache
  • sleep disturbance
  • cognitive impairment
  • chest pain
  • bladder disturbance
Full details

Risk factors

  • young age (15 to 25 years)
  • female sex
  • recent viral infection
  • pregnancy
  • associated comorbidities
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • ECG
  • CBC
  • thyroid function tests
  • electrolytes
  • morning serum cortisol
Full details

Tests to consider

  • Holter monitor
  • echocardiogram
  • tilt-table test
  • supine and upright plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels
  • thermoregulatory sweat test
  • quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test
  • valsalva maneuver
  • deep breathing test
  • exercise testing
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

all patients

Contributors

Authors

Blair Grubb, MD

Distinguished Professor of Medicine

University of Toledo

Toledo

OH

Disclosures

BG declares that he has no competing interests.

Abdelmoniem Moustafa, MD

​Cardiology fellow PGY-5

University of Toledo

Toledo

OH

Disclosures

AM declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Brent P. Goodman, MD

Director

Autonomic Clinic and Laboratory

Mayo Clinic

Phoenix

AZ

Disclosures

BPG declares he has no competing interests.

Nicholas Gall, ​BSc, MBBS, MSc, MD, FRCP

Consultant Cardiologist

King’s College Hospital

London

UK

Disclosures

NG declares that he has no competing interests.

  • Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome images
  • Differentials

    • anemia
    • supraventricular arrhythmias
    • heart failure
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • Position statement on postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and related disorders of chronic orthostatic intolerance
    • Expert consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of postural tachycardia syndrome, inappropriate sinus tachycardia, and vasovagal syncope
    More Guidelines
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