ST-segment changes during tilt table testing for postural tachycardia syndrome: correlation with exercise stress test results

Prior studies have reported ECG (Electrocardiogram) changes during tilt table testing (TTT), specifically during repolarization with ST-segment and T-wave changes. The correlation with ischemic evaluation remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of ST-segment changes during TTT in a young, otherwise healthy population of patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and correlate them with exercise stress test results.

Two hundred and fifty-five patients with POTS who underwent TTT and an exercise treadmill test (ETT) were analyzed.

Forty-five had ST-segment changes/depressions during TTT (91% female, average age 36 years). Of the 45, three had ST-segment depression during ETT; all three had negative exercise stress echocardiograms (ESEs). Two others had ST-segment depressions on ETT (but not TTT), with negative ESEs.

In a cohort of young, female, otherwise healthy patients with POTS, ST-segment changes occurred in a significant portion (18%) of patients during TTT. When evaluated with exercise stress testing, these patients had no evidence of underlying ischemia on ETT or ESE.