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Hypercapnia and Orthostatic Tolerance in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome | Orthostatic Intolerance

The mechanism behind postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) involves many causes including a sympathetic nervous system problem. Blood gases, like carbon dioxide (CO2), have an important effect on sympathetic activation.

The purpose of this research study is to determine if higher CO2 levels have any effect in lowering heart rate and reducing POTS symptoms when upright/standing. The investigators are also searching for the ideal CO2 concentration to achieve the most effective response

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL
  • Eligible Ages:

    18 to 60

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Physician diagnosis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
* Age 18-60 years
* Male and Female
* Non - smokers.
* Able and willing to provide informed consent.
* Ability to travel to Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta Autonomic Testing Lab at the University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Overt cause for postural tachycardia, i.e., acute dehydration
* Participants with somatization or severe anxiety symptoms will be excluded
* Pregnant
* Inability to tolerate mask for the duration of the study
* Subjects who require portable oxygen at rest or with exercise
* Subjects with chronic heart failure or severe pulmonary disease who are unable to climb one flight of stairs due to shortness of breath.
* Other factors which in the investigator's opinion would prevent the participant from completing the protocol, including poor compliance during previous studies.

Study Location

University of Calgary
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Satish R Raj, MD MSCI

[email protected]
403-210-6152
Backup Contact

Robert S Sheldon, MD PhD

[email protected]
403-220-8191
Study Sponsored By
University of Calgary
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT04271878