Hypoplasia of Aorta in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Abstract

Background: POTS is a form of orthostatic intolerance that is associated with the presence of excessive tachycardia and many other symptoms upon standing. Previous Studies indicated that Patients with POTS have hypoplasia of heart and Left Ventricular Outflow tract (LVOT) velocity in POTS patients is increased. Aim: The aim of this research is to study the dimensions and velocity of blood flow in Aorta. Methods: 204 patients are referred to our clinic from January 2014 to April 2015.Out of 204 Patients, 102 are POTS patients and 102 are non-POTS controls. Width of the Aorta (cm) Proximal, Middle, Distal and Velocity of the Aorta (cm/s) in the middle aorta is recorded in all the patients .Data Analysis is done on the findings. Results: Out of 102 POTS patients, 90% are Females (n = 92, age 32.67 ± 10.22), 10% are males (n = 10,age 29.6 ± 15.83), Width of the Aorta (cm) Proximal 1.45 ± 0.31, Middle 1.31 ± 0.27, Distal 1.33 ± 0.23, Velocity of Blood in the Aorta (cm/s) Middle 114.04 ± 26.32. Out of 102 controls, 61% are Females (n = 62, age 32.68 ± 13.23), 39% are males (n = 40,age 36.62 ± 10.64) Width of the Aorta (cm) Proximal 1.72 ± 0.28, Middle 1.61 ± 0.32, Distal 1.58 ± 0.48 , Velocity of Blood in the Aorta (cm/s) Middle 86.6 ± 25.91.Width of the Aorta (cm) Proximal POTS VS controls (P < 0.1), Width of the Aorta (cm) Middle POTS VS controls (P < 0.1), Width of the Aorta (cm) Distal POTS VS controls (P < 0.1), Velocity of Blood in the Aorta (cm/s) Middle POTS VS controls (P < 0.1). Conclusion: First time, our research study demonstrated that POTS patients have lesser dimensions and High blood flow Velocity in Aorta compared to controls.