(From June 2017 Paediatric Pearls Newsletter)
It stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, an autonomic disturbance
leading to light-headedness, sweating, tremor, palpitations and near syncope in the upright position[note]Agarwal A et al. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Postgrad Med J 2007;83:478-480[/note]
Definition:
- Heart rate >120bpm on standing
- HR increase > 40bpm after 10 minutes of standing (if aged 12-19 yrs. >30bpm if older)[note]http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/postural-tachycardia-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx[/note]
- Despite our traditional concern with lying and standing blood pressures, it
is the persistent tachycardia that characterises this health condition. Blood
pressure may not change at all. - Recognised in age group 12 – 50, female to male ratio of 5:1
- Can be primary (eg. adolescence) or secondary (eg. diabetes, hypermobility)
- Different types and some are associated with a particular gene mutation
- Can be diagnosed on tilt table or active stand test if necessary
- Reassurance, a healthy lifestyle with sufficient aerobic exercise and fluid
intake will help with symptoms and most adolescents grow out of it