Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 60

Effects of CO2 on heart rate and symptoms in POTS patients

Official title: Hypercapnia and Orthostatic Tolerance in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Run by University of Calgary · NCT04271878 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if breathing in higher levels of carbon dioxide can help improve heart rate and symptoms for people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).

More Postural Tachycardia Syndrome trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment26 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Calgary
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Calgary, Alberta)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 2, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2029
Study endsDecember 31, 2030
Registry record updatedMay 7, 2026
Trial IDNCT04271878 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 with a physician diagnosis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome.

Probably not a fit

Patients with acute dehydration, severe anxiety, chronic heart failure, or those unable to tolerate the study protocol may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This research investigates the impact of increased carbon dioxide levels on heart rate and symptoms in patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). The study utilizes the RespirAct™ system to control and monitor gas concentrations during inhalation, aiming to determine the optimal CO2 levels that may alleviate orthostatic symptoms. By examining the relationship between hypercapnia and orthostatic tolerance, the researchers hope to provide a new therapeutic approach for managing POTS. The study will include participants aged 18-60 diagnosed with POTS who can travel to the University of Calgary for testing.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a novel treatment option for patients suffering from POTS by reducing heart rate and improving symptoms.

How similar studies have gone: While previous studies have shown some effects of CO2 on heart rate in small groups, this approach is still relatively novel for the broader POTS population.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.

Where it's running

  • University of Calgary
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Satish R Raj, MD, MSCI — University of Calgary, Cardiac Science
  • Study coordinator: Shaun Ranada, BSc
  • Email: shaun.ranada@ucalgary.ca
  • Phone: 403-210-6152

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.