RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

CAlgary SAlt for POTS

This study, called "CAlgary SAlt for POTS," is for people with a condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Many people with POTS have low blood volume, and current advice suggests eating more salt and drinking more fluids. However, we don't have much information on whether this helps in the long run. This study aims to find out if a higher salt diet, compared to a normal diet, can reduce symptoms like a fast heartbeat when standing up. Participants will follow different diets for three months and have several check-ups. These check-ups will involve tests to measure their heart rate, blood pressure, and how their body reacts to standing. The goal is to see if a high salt diet can lead to lasting improvements and help manage POTS better.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

Start

07 May 2024

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2028

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

What is this study about?

If you have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, you know it can be a challenging condition. It often means your heart beats too fast when you stand up, and you might feel dizzy or tired. Many people with POTS have a problem where their body doesn't have enough fluid in their blood circulation. To help with this, doctors often recommend increasing your salt intake and drinking more fluids.

However, we don't have much long-term information about how effective a high-salt diet really is for POTS. We know it can help in the short term, but we're not sure if these improvements last over several months. That's why this study, called "CAlgary SAlt for POTS," is so important. It aims to look closely at whether a higher salt diet really makes a difference for people with POTS over a three-month period, compared to eating a normal amount of salt.

Researchers want to understand if increasing salt leads to lasting effects like a more stable heart rate when standing, fewer symptoms, and better blood volume. By taking part, you could help doctors and other patients understand how best to manage POTS in the future.

Key takeaways

Exploring if a higher salt diet helps long-term with POTS.
Compares normal salt intake with higher salt intake.
Involves clinic visits for heart and blood tests.
Study lasts for about three months.
Aims to improve future POTS treatment guidelines.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to have a doctor's diagnosis of POTS. This means your heart rate goes up significantly when you stand, you don't have a big drop in blood pressure, and your symptoms get better when you lie down. You also need to be between 18 and 60 years old and live in Canada, as you'll need to visit a clinic in Calgary for your appointments.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if your fast heart rate is caused by something else, like dehydration, a thyroid problem, or certain medications. You also can't be pregnant, have severe anxiety, or receive IV fluids during the study. If you're taking a specific medication called fludrocortisone, you also won't be able to participate. This helps make sure the study results are clear and accurate.

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.

Do I have a doctor's diagnosis of POTS?
Am I between 18 and 60 years old?
Can I travel to Calgary, Canada for clinic appointments?
Am I free from other conditions or medications that might affect the study (e.g., severe anxiety, pregnancy, certain heart problems, IV fluids, fludrocortisone)?
Have I avoided IV saline infusions in the last two months and do I not plan to have any during the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be asked to follow two different diets for certain periods, one after the other. One diet will involve a normal amount of salt, and the other will include a higher amount of salt, possibly through salt capsules. You won't know which diet you're on at any given time.

Over the three months, you'll have three visits to the research clinic in Calgary. During these visits, the research team will do several important check-ups. These include tests to measure your heart rate and blood pressure when standing, how much fluid is in your blood, and other measurements to understand how your body is responding to the diets. You'll switch between the normal and high-salt diets during the study, and each diet period will last for about 6 weeks. The total time you'd be involved in the study is around 3 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any medical study has potential benefits and potential risks. A potential benefit could be that you experience an improvement in your POTS symptoms if the higher salt diet is helpful for you. You will also be closely monitored by a medical team, which could provide useful insights into your condition. However, there's no guarantee that you will personally benefit from taking part. Potential risks might include experiencing side effects from the higher salt intake, although this will be carefully monitored. You might also find the clinic visits or tests slightly uncomfortable or time-consuming. It's very important to remember that you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Calgary
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is POTS?

POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. It's a condition where your heart beats much faster than normal when you stand up, often causing symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and tiredness.

Why is salt important for POTS?

Many people with POTS have low blood volume. Salt helps your body hold onto fluids, which can increase blood volume and potentially reduce symptoms. This study aims to understand if this really works long-term.

Will I know if I'm getting extra salt?

No, this is a 'blinded' study, meaning you won't know if you're on the normal or higher-salt diet at any given time. This helps keep the study fair and accurate.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll have tests to check your heart rate and blood pressure when standing, measure your blood volume, and other blood and urine tests. These help researchers understand how your body is responding.

How long will the study last?

Your involvement in the study will last for approximately three months, including clinic visits and following the different diets.

How to find out more

Satish R Raj, MD MSCI

autonomic.research@ucalgary.ca 4032106152 Official trial record

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