Biological Sex Differences in POTS with Marie-Claire Seeley, RN, PhD

In this episode of the POTScast, Dr. Marie-Claire Seeley discusses her latest research findings on sex differences in POTS from the Australian POTS Registry. The study reveals crucial insights into the patient journey for men and women with POTS, highlighting that despite similar healthcare-seeking behaviors and emergency department visits, women face a significantly longer diagnostic delay. Women reported worse autonomic symptoms but showed similar levels of anxiety, depression, and quality of life when compared to men. The research suggests that this diagnostic delay may be tied to gender biases in healthcare, as women are more frequently misdiagnosed with anxiety and offered mental health treatment plans. This study underscores the need for improved awareness and education to mitigate gender bias in the diagnosis of POTS, aiming to reduce the healthcare burden and improve patient outcomes. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing POTS symptoms early, which could lead to substantial healthcare cost savings.