Vasovagal Syncope, Orthostatic Hypotension and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: Is There a Connection?

Orthostatic intolerance is the development of symptoms during standing, which are relieved when the subject adopts a recumbent posture. Approximately 500,000 Americans are affected by this syndrome. Patients with orthostatic intolerance often complain of exercise intolerance, lightheadedness, dizziness, palpitations, disabling fatigue, blurred vision, headache, anxiety, depression, cold sweating, nausea, chest discomfort, and dyspnea. Sometimes these symptoms are prodromal for an impending syncopal event. Often, however, loss of consciousness occurs without warning. Presyncope or syncope is merely an extreme expression of this spectrum of symptoms.