[Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): report of 15 cases]

Abstract

Background: Patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) report dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, blurred vision, and fatigue upon standing. The diagnosis of the syndrome is made when an orthostatic intolerance and tachycardia appear in the standing position.

Aim: To report 15 patients with POTS.

Material and methods: Review of Tilt test reports in a period of 15 years. Those reports in which orthostatic postural tachycardia and symptoms compatible with POTS appeared, were selected for analysis.

Results: We identified 15 patients (3.1% of all positive Tilt test reports) with compatible signs and symptoms. There was a lag of 8 -10 years between the onset of symptoms and the time of diagnosis. Most patients complained of orthostatic intolerance, dizziness and frequent fainting. Orthostatic tachycardia and symptoms occurred on average after 2.9 and 6.1 minutes, respectively,of staying in the standing position. These patients had a high frequency of family history of syncope orpresyncope (66% frequency) and hyper mobility syndrome (53% prevalence). Only 33% of the patients reported relief of their symptoms after being treated (most of them with fludrocortisone). Most patients that reported little or no relief, did not use medications or were treated for a short period.

Conclusions: POTS syndrome is uncommon but disturbs quality of life of those who suffer it. Its association with hyper mobility syndromes must be investigated.