Exploring the role of the brain in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the potential central nervous system involvement in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition characterized by significant heart rate increases upon standing. It aims to gather natural history data and explore the relationship between POTS and its comorbidities through questionnaires, activity monitoring, and urine sodium checks. The study focuses on understanding how dysfunction in the periaqueductal gray region of the brain may contribute to the symptoms and associated conditions of POTS. Participants will be monitored over time to assess symptom changes and the impact of various life events.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

POTS sample

Inclusion Criteria:

* symptomatic ≥ 40 bpm rise in heart rate in the first 10 min of a tilt table study without a drop in blood pressure
* Clinical symptoms of orthostatic intolerance

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or breastfeeding
* Cognitive defects that preclude answering questionnaires or following assessment directions
* Other chronic diseases
* Unstable medical conditions
* Use of narcotics
* Limited English proficiency
* Investigator discretion that participant would not be suitable to participate
* A phone older than 5 years old or unable to support EMA software

POST INFECTION

Inclusion Criteria:

* acute upper respiratory or gastrointestinal infection that required admission to the acute care units but not requiring an ICU stay

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or breastfeeding
* Chronic prescriptions, history of POTS or orthostatic symptoms, recent inpatient psychiatric admissions, substance use disorder, trauma such as a motor vehicle accident, surgery, or other significant physical or emotional trauma in the last 5 years
* Cognitive defects that preclude answering questionnaires or following assessment directions
* Other unstable chronic diseases
* Unstable medical conditions
* Use of narcotics
* Severe depression or anxiety (untreated / unstable)
* Limited English proficiency
* Investigator discretion that participant would not be suitable to participate
* A phone older than 5 years old or unable to support EMA software

HEALTHY CONTROLS

Inclusion Criteria:

* Apparently healthy with no known chronic illnesses

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or breastfeeding
* History of POTS or orthostatic symptoms, migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, PTSD. Functional gastrointestinal disorders, fainting, dysmenorrhea, or other chronic pain syndrome, inpatient psychiatric admissions, substance use disorder, trauma such as a motor vehicle accident, surgery, or other significant physical or emotional trauma in the last 5 years
* Cognitive defects that preclude answering questionnaires or following assessment directions
* Other chronic unstable diseases
* Unstable medical conditions
* Use of narcotics
* Severe depression or anxiety (untreated / unstable)
* Limited English proficiency
* Investigator discretion that participant would not be suitable to participate
* A phone older than 5 years old or unable to support EMA software

Where it's running

• Virginia Commonwealth University
  Richmond, Virginia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Gisela Chelimsky — Virginia Commonwealth University
• Study coordinator: Gisela Chelimsky
• Email: Gisela.Chelimsky@vcuhealth.org
• Phone: 804-827-3427

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Examining how physical activity affects Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

  This study is testing if a structured exercise program can help people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome feel better over 16 weeks.

  Recruiting Lund University · Malmö · NCT05554107

• A platform for collecting health data on ME/CFS and Long Covid

  This study is trying to collect health information from adults with ME/CFS and Long Covid to help researchers better understand these conditions and improve future treatments.

  Recruiting Brain Inflammation Collaborative · Delafield, Wisconsin · NCT04806620

• Polish registry of heart nerve–targeting treatments (cardioneuroablation and cardioneuromodulation)

  This registry collects information to see how nerve-targeting heart procedures work for adults with fainting, abnormal heart rhythms, or orthostatic problems.

  Recruiting SABAMED Medical Center Ltd. · Rzeszów · NCT07196397

• Gut hormone effects on post-meal abdominal blood flow in people with POTS

  This test will see if giving or blocking certain gut hormones changes abdominal blood flow after a glucose drink in people with POTS and in healthy volunteers.

  Recruiting University of Copenhagen · Copenhagen · NCT07019519

• Evaluating counterpressure maneuvers for treating Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

  This study is testing if a new training method called counterpressure maneuvers can help people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome feel better and improve their daily lives.

  Recruiting Medical University Innsbruck · Innsbruck, Tyrol · NCT06936319

• 2-HOBA to reduce persistent immune activation in Long COVID with POTS

  This trial will test whether 2‑HOBA, a compound that scavenges harmful IsoLG-adducts, can reduce immune activation in adults with Long COVID who have POTS.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Nashville, Tennessee · NCT07189936

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.