No-Power-Required, Touch-Activated Compression Garments for the Treatment of POTS

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a clinical autonomic disorder characterized by a spike in heart rate and syncope in response to orthostasis, symptoms which then dissipate upon recumbency [1]. Additional symptoms include chronic fatigue, bloating, and nausea [2]. POTS predominately affects females (5:1) between the ages of 15 and 50 years [3]. It is estimated 1 to 3 million are affected by POTS in the United States [4]. While there is no known cure, symptom management requires a multifaceted approach, including physical exercise, counter maneuvers, high salt and fluid intake, and medications, including beta blockers and fludrocortisone [3]. Lower body compression is a core component to POTS treatment, especially during prolonged periods of upright posture. Because POTS disproportionately affects young, otherwise healthy females who have high physical and professional demands, compression garments (CG) are critical to allow this population to carry out their activities of daily living [5].