RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

POTS Adrenergic Ab (CIHR Aims #1&2)

Have you heard of POTS, where your heart beats too fast when you stand up and you feel dizzy or tired? This research is a first step to understand it better. Scientists are exploring if people with POTS have different levels of special blood defenders, called antibodies, that target certain receptors in the body. These receptors are like tiny sensors that respond to signals that control your heart rate and blood pressure. By comparing blood samples from people with POTS to healthy volunteers, the study hopes to discover if these antibodies might be playing a role. This knowledge could one day lead to new ways to help people living with POTS feel better.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

125

Start

01 Jan 2016

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2030

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome

What is this study about?

Imagine your body has a finely tuned control system for your heart rate and blood pressure. For people with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), this system doesn't quite work as it should, especially when they stand up. This can cause their heart to race, making them feel dizzy, shaky, or even short of breath. It's a condition that often affects younger people, especially women, and can significantly impact their daily lives, sometimes as much as other serious long-term illnesses.

Researchers believe that something in the blood, called 'antibodies', might be involved. Antibodies are usually good; they're like your body's personal protectors, fighting off germs. However, sometimes they can make a mistake and target parts of your own body. In this study, scientists are looking closely at antibodies that might be targeting "adrenergic receptors." These receptors are like tiny switches on your cells that respond to signals that help control your heart and blood vessels.

By comparing blood samples from people with POTS to those from healthy volunteers, the researchers want to see if specific antibodies are more common or act differently in people with POTS. They've already done some early tests that suggest this might be the case. Understanding if these antibodies play a role could be a really important step towards finding new ways to help people living with POTS in the future.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand why people get POTS.
It's looking at special blood proteins called antibodies.
Findings could lead to new ways to help treat POTS in the future.
Participants will be adults aged 18-60 with or without a POTS diagnosis.
It's a pilot study, meaning it's an early stage of research.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 60 years old. If you have been officially diagnosed with POTS, you can consider joining. The study is also looking for healthy volunteers who do not have POTS.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you smoke, have other serious health problems like heart, lung, liver, or blood conditions, or if you're a highly trained athlete, this study might not be suitable for you. Also, certain medications, like a specific type of contraceptive containing drospirenone, could mean you can't take part. They will also check if your blood pressure is too high, even if you are on medication for it.

Don't worry if you've been anxious before or have other medical issues that might make it hard to complete the study safely; these will also be taken into account. The research team will carefully check all these details to make sure the study is a good fit for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with POTS, or are you a healthy adult without POTS?
Do you smoke?
Do you have a heart, lung, liver, or major blood condition?
Are you a highly trained athlete?
Are you currently taking a contraceptive that contains drospirenone?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided doesn't detail what taking part involves in terms of visits, assessments, medication, or how long the study will last. Typically, for a study like this, you would likely provide blood samples for analysis. There might be some questionnaires about your health and how you're feeling. Because the study mentions specific medications (Phenylephrine, Isoproterenol) in the 'Interventions' section, it's possible some participants might receive these, but the main description focuses on blood tests for antibodies. You would need to confirm the exact procedures with the study team, including how many visits are needed, what medical tests you'd have, and the total duration from start to finish.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is contributing to a better understanding of POTS, which could help develop future treatments. It's important to remember that this is a pilot study, meaning it's an early step, and there may not be direct personal health benefits immediately. Potential risks might include discomfort from blood draws, and if any medications are administered (though not detailed here), there could be temporary side effects. All participants have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting their future medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Calgary
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is POTS?

POTS stands for Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. It's a condition where your heart rate goes up significantly when you stand up, often causing symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and tiredness.

What are 'adrenergic antibodies'?

These are special proteins in your blood that usually fight off infections. In this study, researchers are looking to see if some of these antibodies might be wrongly targeting parts of your body that control heart rate and blood pressure.

Will this study cure my POTS?

This is a pilot study, which means it's an early step to understand POTS better. It's not designed to be a treatment or cure, but the findings could help develop new treatments in the future.

Who can take part in this study?

Adults aged 18 to 60, who either have a POTS diagnosis or are healthy volunteers without POTS, might be able to participate. There are some specific health conditions and medications that would mean you can't join.

What will I have to do if I join?

The information provided doesn't fully explain the tasks. However, it's very likely you would need to provide blood samples and answer questions about your health. The study team can give you full details before you decide to join.

How to find out more

Satish R Raj, MD, MSCI

autonomic.research@ucalgary.ca 403-210-6152 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.