LindsayHi all,
I thought I would share a research study that was sent to me from ResearchMatch.org, the website for the organization that provides information on available research studies.
Apparently, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Diego is conducting a study to determine the effects of ivabradine on people with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). If you’re not familiar, ivabradine (brand name: Corlanor) is primarily prescribed to treat heart failure. It also slows heart rate, leading POTS specialists to think it may help treat POTS.
Ivabradine is already being prescribed for POTS patients as an alternative to a beta blocker. In fact, at my last cardiologist visit, we discussed switching to ivabradine, as my beta blocker was starting to lower my blood pressure more than I would like. I’m still considering it, but have not tried it yet.
This study is held at UCSD. I don’t believe they will pay for travel, so this is probably only relevant to those who are located in southern California. For the study, patients will be given either a placebo or ivabradine for a month (you won’t know which). Then, a month where no one takes anything. For the third month, those that received ivabradine will receive the placebo, and vice versa. It’s a three month study, with a total of 4 visits to the clinic, each of which you are paid for.
There’s a lot of inclusion and exclusion criteria that I won’t list here, but if you’re interested in the study, check out this site. I don’t think I qualify, as my resting heart rate is below 60 and that is criteria for exclusion. However, I contacted them for more information. If any of my readers do end up participating, I’d love to hear about it!
There are a few other studies currently recruiting for POTS patients. You can view them here.
“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Smell ya later.
– Linds
I’m going to be tested to POTS in a few months, and I feel like I’m constantly being tested for something. All of these experiments make us feel like lab rats. I sure hope the scientists will figure out POTS. It’s so complex!
i know what you mean! i feel like i had to undergo way too many tests to get diagnosed. hopefully as more doctors become aware of POTS it won’t require as much testing to narrow it down!
what testing are you going to have for POTS? tilt table?
Thanks for the info! Is the new med helping more than the beta blocker was?
i actually haven’t tried ivabradine yet! i applied for the study, but haven’t heard anything since, so i don’t think i was accepted. i have heard mixed things about ivabradine from friends – some say it was a game changer, others couldn’t tolerate it.
at my next cardiologist visit i’m going to discuss giving it a try. i’m so over my beta blocker!