Primary orthostatic hypotension
MONDO:0015914Primary orthostatic hypotension is a rare type of orthostatic hypotension. It is not a disease per se, but a condition caused by several disorders that affect a specific part of the autonomic nervous system, such as multiple system atrophy, young-onset Parkinson's disease, pure autonomic failure, dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficiency, familial dysautonomia, and pure autonomic failure among others. The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that regulates certain involuntary body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and bowel and bladder control. Orthostatic hypotension is a form of low blood pressure that happens when standing-up from sitting or lying down. Common symptoms may include dizziness, lightheadedness, generalized weakness, leg buckling, nausea, blurry vision, fatigue, and headaches. Additional symptoms can include chest pain (angina), head and neck pain (often affecting neck and shoulders with a coat hanger distribution), decline in cognitive functioning such as difficulty concentrating, temporary loss of consciousness or “blackout”. Some people with primary orthostatic hypotension may also have high blood pressure when lying down. The treatment depends upon several factors including the specific underlying cause including The treatment depends upon several factors including the specific underlying cause and may include physical counter-maneuvers like lying down, sitting down, squatting clenching buttocks, leg crossing, and support garment and medication.
Also known as: neurogenic orthostatic hypotension
74 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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New study tackles long COVID's hidden heart and nerve symptoms
Disease control CompletedThis study tested different treatments for autonomic dysfunction, including POTS, in 381 adults with Long COVID. It compared non-drug approaches and medications to see which best eased symptoms like rapid heart rate and dizziness. The goal was to find effective ways to manage the…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Kanecia Obie Zimmerman • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:07 UTC
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Could a bladder drug help POTS patients stop fainting?
Symptom relief CompletedThis small pilot study tested whether mirabegron, a drug typically used for overactive bladder, can raise blood pressure and reduce fainting in people with POTS who have low blood pressure that standard treatments didn't help. Twenty adults took either 25 mg or 50 mg of the drug …
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:05 UTC
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Splash therapy: tiny study tests pool workouts for POTS
Symptom relief CompletedThis pilot study tested whether a 12-week aquatic occupational therapy program could reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Five adults with POTS completed three 60-minute pool sessions per week, including gent…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: California State University, Dominguez Hills • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:04 UTC
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Can a heart drug ease long COVID symptoms?
Symptom relief CompletedThis completed Phase 2 trial tested whether ivabradine, a drug that slows heart rate, can reduce symptoms like dizziness and rapid heartbeat in people with long COVID. 181 participants received either ivabradine or a placebo for 3 months, with follow-up for another 3 months. The …
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Kanecia Obie Zimmerman • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:07 UTC
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Could a gentle zap to the neck help teens with POTS?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the neck (called nVNS) to see if it can reduce symptoms like dizziness and fatigue in teenagers with POTS, a condition that causes a rapid heart rate upon standing. Forty teens with newly diagnosed POTS took part at May…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Mayo Clinic • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:56 UTC
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Skin biopsies may reveal long COVID's hidden nerve damage
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looks at tiny nerve fibers in the skin of people with Long COVID, POTS, diabetic neuropathy, and those who had COVID-19 without lasting symptoms. By comparing skin samples, researchers hope to find unique patterns that help explain ongoing symptoms like pain and dizzin…
Sponsor: CND Life Sciences • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 04, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Belly band or pill? study tests best way to treat dizzy spells in nerve disease
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at two common treatments for low blood pressure upon standing in people with autonomic failure: the drug midodrine and an abdominal compression belt. Researchers measured how each affects heart health markers like pulse wave velocity. The trial involved 31 adult…
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1 • Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:29 UTC
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POTS puzzle: scientists probe blood pressure hormone link
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed Phase 1 study at Vanderbilt University looked at how the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system works in people with POTS, a condition that causes a rapid heart rate and dizziness upon standing. Researchers gave 28 participants (including healthy controls) a one-hour…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 17:55 UTC