Autoimmune Basis for Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
United States80 participantsStarted 2022-01-14
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that an antibody-mediated autoimmune reaction will cause symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in some patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). The investigators further hypothesize that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve will improve POTS symptoms, autoimmunity and inflammation.
Who can participate
Age range18 Years – 80 Years
SexALL
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Inclusion Criteria:
* 18-80 years old, female or male
* Either healthy control or individual with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) defined as heart rate increase \>30 bpm from supine within 10 min of standing, in the absence of orthostatic hypotension (\>20/10 mmHg fall in blood pressure), with chronic symptoms (\>6 months), and in the absence of other acute cause of orthostatic tachycardia
* Able and willing to provide informed consent
* Understand and be able to comply with the study procedures and restrictions
Exclusion Criteria:
* Hypertension (\>150 mmHg systolic and \>100 mmHg diastolic) based on history or findings at screening
* Orthostatic hypotension (consistent drop in blood pressure \>20/10 mmHg with 10 min of standing)
* Cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction within 6 months
* History or presence of significant immunological or hematological disorders
* History of vagotomy
* Currently pregnant women or women planning on becoming pregnant ≤ 3 months
* Inability to comply with the protocol
* Patients with active implants (such as a cardiac pacemaker, or a cochlear implant)
Healthy control subjects will be healthy, non-smoking and on no chronic medications at the time of the study. Healthy control subjects will be group-matched to the POTS patients for age and gender.