Postural tachycardia syndrome: multiple symptoms, but easily missed

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Assess, Diagnose, and Evaluate for POTS Treatment (ADEPT)

“…The factors that contribute to the delay in the diagnosis and treatment of POTS can be related to the episodic and indiscriminate nature of the symptoms, which cause misunderstandings by both patients and professionals [5]. While many instances of POTS are thought to be autoimmune related and follow an acute viral infection, other correlations include trauma, surgery, pregnancy, or the result of chronic medical illnesses [5].…”

“…In addition, persons with hypermobility or hyperflexibility can be at risk for POTS [11]. Oftentimes, patients are diagnosed and treated for psychiatric conditions, predominantly chronic fatigue syndrome [6,12] and anxiety disorders [1,5,7]. …”

“…While many instances of POTS are thought to be autoimmune related and follow an acute viral infection, other correlations include trauma, surgery, pregnancy, or the result of chronic medical illnesses [5]. In addition, persons with hypermobility or hyperflexibility can be at risk for POTS [11].…”

“…Information regarding the classification of POTS, as we know it today, dates back to 1993 [5]. POTS has an estimated prevalence of at least 170 out of 100,000 people, with an age range of 15-50 years, a mean age at onset of 30 years, and a female-to-male ratio of 5:1 [6].…”

“…Even when properly diagnosed, there is still confusion about who is best suited to managing this esoteric syndrome. Many physicians and clinicians advertise that they treat POTS; however, there are only a few autonomic specialists who treat POTS in the USA [5,10]. Screening for POTS can be done by evaluating a symptomatic patient's orthostatic vital signs [11].…”