Hypercapnia and Orthostatic Tolerance in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY · Feb 13, 2020

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ClinConnect Summary

**Clinical Trial Summary: Hypercapnia and Orthostatic Tolerance in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome**

This study is exploring how higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body might help people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) feel better when standing up. POTS is a condition that causes an unusually fast heart rate and can lead to symptoms like dizziness or fainting when moving from sitting to standing. Researchers want to see if increasing CO2 levels can lower heart rates and improve symptoms for individuals with this condition. They are also trying to find out what the best amount of CO2 is to achieve these positive effects.

To participate in this study, you should be between 18 and 60 years old and have a doctor’s diagnosis of POTS. It’s important that you do not smoke and are able to travel to the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta in Calgary for testing. Unfortunately, some individuals, such as those with severe anxiety, pregnancy, or certain heart and lung conditions, will not be eligible. If you decide to join, you can expect to be monitored while breathing in different levels of CO2 to see how it affects your heart rate and symptoms. This study aims to find new ways to help improve the quality of life for people with POTS.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility 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.