Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Consideration in Orthostatic Intolerance
Although accreditation for this CE/CME activity has expired, and the posttest is no longer available, you can still read the full article.
Expires April 30, 2015
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Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome may not be the first disorder that clinicians consider when they encounter a patient with orthostatic intolerance, but ignoring this possibility during a differential diagnosis can mean patients continue to experience unexplained dizziness, fatigue, syncope, and a variety of other related signs and symptoms. Arriving at the correct diagnosis will allow you to help patients manage the condition and return to the lives and activities they previously enjoyed.
CONCLUSION
POTS most often presents as OI, which is why investigation of OI should include consideration of POTS as part of the differential diagnosis. Untreated, the symptoms of POTS can prevent patients from participating in normal life activities, including recreation, school, and work, leading to dysfunction, disability, and depression.7 A prompt diagnosis, confirmed by tilt-table testing, will expedite appropriate referral, ancillary testing, and treatment. Optimal therapy has not been established, yet individualized patient education, along with the development of a personalized program to alleviate symptoms, will provide patients with a sense of hope and control over the syndrome. This approach will enable patients and their families to manage the condition and optimize their quality of life.
The author would like to thank Michael Whitehead, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, an adjunct professor at A. T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona, for his input on this article.
