Sharon Koshy

• MBBS
• Defining the prevalence of cognitive impairment in Positional Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and its relationship with autonomic function

Positional orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is an increasingly recognised condition that results from autonomic dysfunction. It is characterised by an increase in heart rate on assuming the upright position of greater than 30 beats and/or to above 120 bpm.  Patients with POTS (predominantly female) frequently describe debilitating symptoms that include severe dizziness, fatigue and pre syncope which commonly affect their social and work life. Through my cohort prevalence survey I was able to investigate the general demographics, extent of autonomic burden and cognitive impairment this patient group experiences which was found to be significantly higher than age matched controls.

Funding source: Newcastle University