Active Comparator: Female Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) patients without orthostatic hyperpneic hypocapnia
Female POTS patients without orthostatic hyperpneic hypocapnia identified by tilt table testing and respiratory monitoring.
Diagnostic Test: Chemoreflex Testing
The carotid body chemoreflex can be tested by holding carbon dioxide (CO2) constant (isocapnic) and applying hypoxia and hyperoxia. Measurements are then made of expiratory minute volume and of sympathetic activity. The central chemoreflex measures isocapnic and hypercapnic responses in the presence of hyperoxia to suppress the carotid body chemoreflex.
Diagnostic Test: Baroreflex testing
Baroreceptors are measured by the change of heart rate (HR) and sympathetic activity with changing blood pressure using the modified Oxford technique. Blood pressure is lowered an amount by a bolus of sodium nitroprusside and then raised by a bolus of phenylephrine. When standing baroreflexes are activated and the investigators will measure chemoreflex activity upright to see how baroreflex effects the chemoreflexes. Similarly chemoreflexes affect the baroreflexes best observed when the patients are supine.
Diagnostic Test: Orthostatic stress testing
Orthostatic Stress tests are administered in two forms: a standing test to evoke the initial orthostatic hypotensive response that sensitizes and triggers the carotid body chemoreflex by intermittent stagnant ischemia. And the 70 degree upright tilt test that best identifies causal changes in regional blood volumes and flows and in respiratory patterns of hyperpneic hypocapnia.
Source: View full study details on ClinicalTrials.gov
The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. By listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Know the risks and potential benefits of clinical studies and talk to your health care provider before participating. Read our disclaimer for details.
