- Patients diagnosed with POTS by the Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center based on the following stringent criteria: 1) history of daily orthostatic symptoms for at least 6 months; 2) increase in heart rate (HR) of at least 30 bpm with standing or a standing HR of at least 120 bpm; 3) absence of orthostatic hypotension (defined as a fall in blood pressure (BP)>20/10 mm Hg); and 4) absence of conditions, such as dehydration, substantial weight loss, or systemic illnesses, that could provoke orthostatic intolerance