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).
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 26 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Calgary, Alberta) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 2, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04271878 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
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
STAND-UP: opening narrowed veins above the heart to help low blood pressure when standing
This study will try a minimally invasive catheter procedure to open narrowed supracardiac veins and see if that improves dizziness, fainting, or low blood pressure in adults with orthostatic hypotension or orthostatic intolerance that hasn't improved with standard treatments.
-
Stellate ganglion block to help POTS symptoms
This study tests whether a stellate ganglion block can improve symptoms and heart rate in adults with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome compared with a sham injection.
-
How age, sex, and a handgrip affect heart–vessel communication during low blood pressure
We will test whether simulated low blood pressure with and without a handgrip exercise changes how the heart and blood vessels communicate in healthy young and older men and women.
-
Improving blood pressure control in children who faint
This study is testing if certain movements can help children aged 6-18 who faint feel better by improving their blood pressure and heart function compared to regular advice.
-
Understanding how the brain communicates in young people with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
This study is testing how young people with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome understand visual information to see how their brain communicates differently compared to healthy peers.
-
Assessing counterpressure maneuvers for preventing fainting in children
This study is testing if teaching children techniques to prevent fainting can help them avoid losing consciousness when they visit the emergency room.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.