High salt diet for treating 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 clinical trial investigates the effects of a high salt diet on patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition characterized by excessive heart rate increase upon standing. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a high salt diet or a normal salt diet over a three-month period, with evaluations including autonomic function testing and blood volume measurements. The study aims to determine if increased dietary salt can sustain elevated plasma volume and improve symptoms over a longer duration than previously studied. The trial will also assess the potential for an 'escape mechanism' that may negate the benefits of increased salt intake.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Physician Diagnosis of POTS as defined by the CCS Consensus Statement and as follows:
* Sustained, excessive orthostatic tachycardia ≥ 30 bpm within 10 minutes standing.
* Absence of orthostatic hypotension (\>20/10 mmHg decrease) within 3 minutes standing.
* Chronic orthostatic symptoms that improve with recumbence.
* Age 18-60 years old.
* Ability to attend the Calgary Autonomic Research Clinic in Calgary.
* Resident of Canada

Exclusion Criteria:

* Overt cause for postural tachycardia (i.e., acute dehydration, thyroid disease)
* Participants with somatization or severe anxiety symptoms will be excluded
* Pregnant (self-reported)
* Underlying causes of tachycardia including acute hypovolemia, endocrinopathy, anemia, anxiety, medication effects, recreational drug effects, and prolonged bedrest.
* Other factors which in the investigator's opinion would prevent the participant from completing the protocol, including poor compliance during previous studies
* Fludrocortisone use (due to effects on renal Na+ handling)
* Patients who have received IV saline in the 2 months preceding the study or who plan to receive it during the course of the study

Where it's running

• University of Calgary
  Calgary, Alberta, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Satish R Raj — University of Calgary
• Study coordinator: Satish R Raj, MD MSCI
• Email: autonomic.research@ucalgary.ca
• Phone: 4032106152

Similar studies

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

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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.