Synopsis: The Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is a condition associated with orthostatic intolerance and syncope, in association with an inappropriate rise in heart rate without a fall in blood pressure. It has a female preponderance with most patients presenting between the ages of 15-25 years. It is often associated with chronic fatigue, headache, sleep disturbance and functional gastrointestinal and bladder disorders. The pathophysiology is heterogeneous. It is a challenging disorder to treat and requires input from multiple medical and allied health disciplines.
Dr Corcoran will discuss the different proposed pathophysiologies and an approach to treatment. Unna Goldsworthy will discuss the role of the exercise physiologist in guiding exercise reconditioning in this patient group.
Speakers:
Dr Susan Corcoran is an adult cardiologist with Alfred Health and has a background in electrophysiology and pacing. She is currently undertaking a PhD at the BakerIDI Heart and Diabetes Institute.
Unna Goldsworthy is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and works to support patients in transition from hospital discharge to return to normal function and beyond.