Approach to Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

To support general neurologists, advanced practice providers, and general practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and related dysautonomias. This review and approach are based on the authors' clinical experience, nonsystematic literature review, and expert opinion, with experts drawn from the American Autonomic Society Education Committee.

POTS is a common condition seen in general practice. The diagnosis can be easily made in a nonspecialist setting when patients meet the syndromic criteria for POTS: (1) chronic orthostatic intolerance (bothersome symptoms brought on by upright posture, and relieved by lying down), (2) excessive orthostatic tachycardia (heart rate augmentation with standing greater than 30 beats per minute in adults), (3) absence of orthostatic hypotension, and (4) reasonable exclusion of other causes (e.g., dehydration, anemia, hyperthyroidism). There are many causes, but the unifying perturbations are low effective circulating volume with decreased cerebral blood flow and a hypersympathetic state. Education and nonpharmacologic therapies such as salt, water, and exercise are first-line treatments. Several safe and effective medication options are also available, such as propranolol and midodrine. Several comorbidities are common, such as migraine and neurocardiogenic syncope, and should be screened for and treated rather than attributed out-of-hand to POTS.

POTS and related conditions are common. Initial diagnostic and treatment steps can be undertaken in a general practice setting. Referral to specialists is appropriate for refractory cases or when the diagnosis is uncertain.