Improving Symptomatic Postural Tachycardia with Pharmacotherapy versus Physical Conditioning

Author

Heather L. Conklin, University of the PacificFollow

Date of Award

4-3-2020

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Department

Physician Assistant Education

First Advisor

Mark Christiansen

Abstract

An estimated one to three million Americans are affected by orthostatic intolerance, with females under age 35 the most common. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a disorder marked by symptoms of orthostatic intolerance within the first ten minutes of a patient moving from supine to an upright standing position. Patients must experience a sustained heart rate increase of at least 30 bpm (40 for pediatric patients) or greater than 120 bpm in the absence of orthostatic hypotension (OH). A thorough clinical evaluation should be performed prior to head-up tilt (HUT) testing to exclude other causes of tachycardia.

Recommended Citation

Conklin, Heather L., "Improving Symptomatic Postural Tachycardia with Pharmacotherapy versus Physical Conditioning" (2020). Physician Assistant Capstones. 51.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/pa-capstones/51