Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Summary

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is characterised by the development of excessive tachycardia on standing with maintained blood pressure. We report a case of POTS in a 20-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes who presented with a 3-week history of lethargy, fatigue and orthostatic intolerance. Examination revealed a postural rise in heart rate of over 50 bpm with maintained blood pressure. This was associated with symptoms of light-headedness. Cardiac structure and function as assessed by ECG and ECHO were normal as was thyroid and adrenal function. POTS was confirmed with tilt table testing. Treatment was initiated with increased fluid intake, fludrocortisone and bisoprolol with improvement. POTS is a disabling condition which can significantly limit a patient’s activities and working capacity and should be considered in a young, otherwise well patient who presents with orthostatic intolerance and a postural rise in heart rate.